Microsurgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas extending outside suprasellar cistern into third ventricle through transcallosai-interfornix approach

Objective To discuss the effectiveness and microsurgical techniques of resection of the craniopharyngiomas protruding from the suprasellar region into the third ventricle. Methods Forty-six patients who were microsurgically treated through the transcallosal-interforniceal approach for craniopharyngiomas protruding from the suprasellar region into the third ventricle were evaluated.Results Total removal of the lesion was achieved in 33 cases,10 patients subtotal resection, and 3 partial removal We followed up all. of the patients from three months to fifteen years. There were thirty-nine patients coming back to the normal life, 8 patients got recurrence. Conclusion The transcallosal-interfomiceal approach is a valid choice for removal of craniopharyngiomas protruding from suprasellar region into third ventricle. Through this approach, total resection rate could be improved significantly. At the same time, protection of normal brain tissue and reduction of post-operation complications could be achieved. Key words: Craniopharyngioma;  Third ventricle;  Transcallosal-interfornix approach