The endocrine outcome after surgical removal of craniopharyngiomas.

The postoperative course of children undergoing surgery for craniopharyngioma was reviewed. Typically they were below height at presentation. All had an attempt at radical surgical resection of the tumor. Most developed diabetes insipidus in the postoperative period, which was permanent in all but 1 child. 94% required thyroid replacement therapy, and sex steroids were administered in 100% when they reached the age of puberty. 91% required maintenance corticosteroids. 54% required growth hormone replacement, but some children showed continued growth despite apparent growth hormone deficiency. Postoperative obesity develops in one half of patients, and may be improved with administration of growth hormone; a controlled trial is underway.