[Brain tumors in children].

Brain tumour was diagnosed by computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in 100 children aged 0 to 19 years. They consecutively underwent primary surgical treatment during the years 1984 to 1988. Non-neoplastic lesions and operations for residual tumours are not included. 54 tumours were localized supratentorially. 72% of these were benign or low grade malignancies. 46 tumours had an infratentorial localisation. 59% of these were high grade malignancies. Children tolerate major-neurosurgical procedures better than adults and restitution is usually favourable. 42 children with high grade malignancies underwent postoperative radiotherapy. Per- and postoperative mortality in this series was 1%. 80 children are alive. 62 of these are in excellent condition after a median observation time of 40 months.