TRANSNASAL MANAGENENT OF A LARGE CYSTIC CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA.

Abstract

Two cases of large cystic craniopharyngioma were operated by transnasal route. Both cases showed suprasellar extension of the tumour and complete excision of the tumour was considered impossidle. By means of transnasal hypophysectomy approach, contents of the cystic tumour was aspirated and polyethylene tube was inserted as a permanent drain into the nasal caity.
Both cases died eventually, but this surgery served as a palliative measure.
For this type of tumour, transnasal surgery is relatively simple and can be managed by experienced otolayngologists. Also, retention tube drain can be placed into the nasal cavity. We feel that this is a method of choice in case of an advanced inoperable cystic tumour, as a method of decompression.