Microsurgery for Pineal Region Tumors (a Report of 26 cases)

Objective To summarize the experience in treating the pineal region tumors with microsurgery. Methods The clinical data of 26 patients with pineal region tumors, who underwent microsurgery from May, 2001 to February, 2009, were analyzed retrospectively. Results Of 26 patients, 19 underwent microsurgery through Poppen approach, and 7 through Krause approach. The tumors were totally removed in 15 patients, subtotally in 5 and partially in 6. Of 22 patients followed up from 3 months to 7 years, 17 were recovered well, 2 suffered from the recurrence of the tumors, 1 survived vegetatively and 2 died (1 died of tumor bleeding after the microsurgery and the other died 2 years after the microsurgery). Conclusions Microsurgical resection was first selected for treatment of the pineal tumors and the microsurgery through Poppen approach was worthy of recommending in the patients with pineal region tumors.