Pediatric Intracranial Tumor Surgery

Pediatric Brain Tumor Surgery

Pediatric Intracranial Tumor Surgery: Overview 🔬 Epidemiology Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children and the leading cause of cancer-related death.

see Posterior fossa tumor surgery

Common types:

Medulloblastoma surgery

Pilocytic astrocytoma surgery

Ependymoma

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)

Craniopharyngioma

Histological diagnosis: Confirm tumor type.

Maximal safe resection: Aim for gross total resection (GTR) where feasible.

CSF diversion: Treat hydrocephalus if present (e.g., EVD, VP shunt, ETV).

MRI with contrast (brain + spine if medulloblastoma is suspected).

Neuronavigation, DTI (for eloquent areas), fMRI if age-appropriate.

Multidisciplinary board decision.

Use of intraoperative MRI, neurophysiological monitoring, and ultrasound.

Microsurgical techniques via craniotomy or endoscopic approaches, depending on tumor location.

Neurological deficits (motor, visual, cognitive)

CSF leak, infection, hydrocephalus

Endocrinological disorders (especially for hypothalamic/pituitary tumors)

Posterior fossa syndrome (especially post-medulloblastoma)

Early MRI to evaluate extent of resection.

Multimodal adjuvant therapy (chemo/radio depending on histology).

Neurorehabilitation and neuropsychological support.

Pediatric neuro-oncology

Endocrinology, rehabilitation, neurology, neuropsychology

Long-term surveillance for recurrence and late effects