Consensus guidelines for the management of craniopharyngioma in low- and middle-income countries
Document Type
Review Article
Department
Neurosurgery; Paediatrics and Child Health; Haematology/Oncology; Surgery
Abstract
Craniopharyngiomas are benign, extra-axial epithelial tumours originating from the pituitary stalk, impacting areas such as the hypothalamus, optic chiasm, and various cranial nerves. These tumours present unique surgical challenges due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Management typically involves maximal safe resection as the primary approach. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), factors like late presentation, higher risks of endocrine and visual complications, frequent recurrence, and potential for incomplete resection complicate treatment. These challenges are exacerbated by limited access to specialised expertise and surgical equipment, increasing the risk of damage during surgery compared to High- Income Countries. This manuscript outlines management guidelines tailored for LMICs, emphasizing that a combination of surgical resection and chemoradiation therapy, as advised by a neuro-oncology tumour board, often yields the best outcomes.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
DOI
10.47391/JPMA.S3.GNO-15
Recommended Citation
Enam, A.,
Mushtaq, N.,
Khalid, M. U.,
Bajwa, M. H.,
Khan, A. A.,
Virani, S. S.,
Tariq, A.,
Gilani, A.,
Qureshi, B.
(2024). Consensus guidelines for the management of craniopharyngioma in low- and middle-income countries. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 74(3), S126-S134.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_surg_neurosurg/401