Anaesthetic management of children with craniopharyngioma

Abstract

The perioperative management of craniopharyngioma in children is quite challenging not only to the neurosurgeons and anaesthesiologists but also to the oncologists, endocrinologists and intensivists. The various concerns include size of the tumour and its effects on intracranial pressure, vicinity of the tumour to nearby vessels and neural structures, endocrine disturbances, compressive symptoms, paediatric age, obesity-related problems, high recurrence rate of the tumour, undesired effects of radiotherapy, high morbidity and mortality. As anaesthesiologists, we deal with most of the challenges. The success of the outcome depends on the proper identification of the patient, pre-operative optimisation, surgical decision, awareness of the complications, timely intervention and optimal post-operative care.