CR-10ONLINE SURVEY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF PAEDIATRIC CRANIOPHARYNGIOMAS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric craniopharyngiomas pose a difficult management challenge due to the proximity of important neural structures as well as their potential for recurrence in spite of a benign histology. Aggressive approach towards surgical resection often leads to bad overall patient outcome in terms of quality of life whereas limited resection may increase the risk of relapse. There is always a question as to how much to do and what should be an acceptable outcome in each individual case. Although there are a number of modalities available to supplement surgery, there is no uniformity in utilising these since there is lack of standardised protocols due to paucity of data on long-term outcomes of single or combination modalities. The primary objective of the survey is to gather information from different units around the world on the management of paediatric craniopharyngiomas, focusing on the surgical attitudes particularly the intention of surgeon at the first surgery, timing of radiotherapy in residual tumours and the use / availability of additional nonsurgical modalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The online survey includes two sections. One section collects basic information about neurosurgical units and the service provided for children affected by craniopharyngioma. The second section consists of 8 different clinical scenarios with related scans and involves a multiple choice questionnaire about management pathway of hydrocephalus, surgical procedures, radiotherapy and recurrences' treatment. The survey was circulated in January 2014 through mailing lists involving the major international paediatric neurosurgery societies (ISPN and ESPN). RESULT(S): To date, there have been 80 responses. Preliminary analyses indicate variability in the experience and facilities available in the surgical management of these difficult tumours. In addition, there appears to be a variance in the surgical management of these difficult tumours.