Ommaya Reservoir System for the Treatment of Cystic Craniopharyngiomas: Surgical Results in a Series of 11 Adult Patients and Review of the Literature

Objective Treatment of cystic craniopharyngiomas can be challenging and recurrences are frequent, even after total resection. In selected cases, less-aggressive surgery with the sole drainage of the cyst reliefs symptoms caused by mass effect and represents a valid alternative option, notably in pediatric population. We herein analyze a series of adult cystic craniopharyngiomas, managed with Ommaya Reservoir implant, focusing on local tumor control and eventual complications. Methods In total, 11 nonconsecutive adult cystic craniopharyngiomas (7 recurrent lesions) were treated with Ommaya Reservoir System (ORS), in 2 neurosurgical centers. ORS was placed in 9 cases using minimally invasive procedures: 6 burr-hole endoscopic insertion and 3 navigated electromagnetic placement; in the remaining 2 patients, the Ommaya reservoir was used as a shunt to prevent cyst recollection during a transcranial approach. Results The main presenting symptoms were visual impairment (75%), cognitive and behavioral disorders (66.7%), hypopituitarism (38%), headache (30.8%), and hypothalamic obesity (8%). The median follow-up period was 41.4 months. In all patients, the visual function and intracranial hypertension improved after decompression. Local tumor control was accomplished in 8 patients (72.7%), without the need of adjuvant treatments. The endoscopic vision carried similar rates of tumor control than stereotaxy (75% vs. 66.7%). Conclusions In selected patients, tailored procedures are required to achieve long-term tumor control and as well limit surgery-related morbidity. ORS could represent a safe and effective treatment option for cystic craniopharyngiomas, providing also reduced surgical-related morbidity, especially in recurrent lesions and in patients not suitable for radical surgery.