100 case of pediatric sellar region tumors treated with the anterior interhemispheric approach

Objective To study the indications, methods, advantages and disadvantages of anterior interhemispheric approach for removing pediatric tumors in sellar region.Methods 100 cases of anterior interhemispheric approach surgery for pediatric sellar region tumors from May, 1997 to May, 2001 were analyzed retrospectively. Results The tumors were totally or subtotally removed in 87 cases, and partially removed in 13 cases. In 84 cases the olfactory nerve were successfully preserved bilaterally, and in 81 cases the pituitary stalk were anatomically preserved.Conclusions Anterior interhemispheric approach is a good choice for tumors located in the sellar region and anterior part of third ventricle.The tumor could be removed with high percentage of total resection under the direct exposure and the important anatomic structures could be easily preserved.