Long-term outcomes of pediatric craniopharyngioma patients after surgical resection

Objective To review the effect of resection of pediaric craniopharyngioma and the long-term quality of life. Methods The clinical datas before, during and after operation of 30 pediatric craniopharyngioma patients who were operated in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from March 2014 to June 2024 were collected for retrospective analysis. The Katz index, body mass index (BMI), as well as one's ability to paparticipate in normal school life and physical exercise at last follow - up were recorded as key factors of long - term quality of life assesement. Results There were 7 (23.33%) of pediatric craniopharyngioma patients were identified as obese, 19 (63.33%) patients had endocrine dysfunction and 30 (100%) were identified as Katz index grade A before operation. Total resection of the tumor was achieved in 29 cases, while one case had subtotal resection. Median follow-up time was 38.00 (17.25, 53.00) months. The number of obese children increased to 9 (30%) during the last follow-up, but showed no statistic significance (χ2 = 0.125, P = 0.727). The number of patients with endocrine dysfunction increased to 27 (90%), and showed statistic significance (χ2 = 4.083, P = 0.039). All 30 cases remained Katz index grade A during the last follow-up. During the last follow-up, only one patient hadn't return to normal school life and 2 patients couldn't join physical exercise in school after total resection of craniopharyngioma. Conclusions Total resection in pediatric craniopharyngioma patients can still achieve good prognosis, and should be the target of surgical treatment.