Cystic craniopharyngioma: trans-sphenoidal surgery and intra-cystic apposition of "bleomycin wax".

BACKGROUND: The current therapeutic approach to craniopharyngioma is multidisciplinary. Sub-total removal, followed by adjuvant treatments, especially in large cystic tumours, is an accepted regime reported by many authors.

CASE REPORT: A young patient with an intra- and suprasellar cystic craniopharyngioma was operated on via a microsurgical trans-sphenoidal approach, achieving sub-total removal and bleomycin mixed with bone wax ("bleomycin wax") applied to the capsular remnant.

RESULTS: Pre-operative neurological and endocrinological deficit improved after surgery. There was no evidence of tumour recurrence after a follow-up period of 5.4 years.

CONCLUSIONS: The intra-operative use of "bleomycin-wax" should be limited to those patients in whom intra-operative CSF fistula does not occur.