[Surgical Approaches to Craniopharyngiomas].

Surgical treatment of craniopharyngioma still presents several challenges. The tumor recurs at a high rate when its removal is insufficient. However, total resection of the tumor has a high risk of complications owing to its proximity to the hypothalamus and the pituitary stalk. In addition, tumor control by radiation treatment is insufficient for long follow-up periods of over 10 years. Therefore, various treatments have been selected, ranging from partial tumor removal followed by radiation to total tumor removal, even if it involves sacrificing pituitary functions. In this article, we explain the surgical treatment with a focus on endoscopic endonasal surgery for craniopharyngiomas.