Outcomes after craniotomy for resection of craniopharyngiomas in adults: analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP)

Craniopharyngiomas occur in suprasellar locations that pose challenges for surgical management. This study evaluates the incidence of complications following craniotomy for craniopharyngioma in adults and investigates risk factors for these complications. Patients who underwent craniotomy for excision of craniopharyngioma were identified from the 2005–2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). Incidence of 30-day postoperative complications was determined. Multivariable logistic regression identified demographic, comorbid and perioperative characteristics associated with any complication and major (Clavien IV) complications. There were 143 cases identified. Fifty-one (35.7%) had a complication, twenty (14.0%) experienced a major complication and there were four (2.8%) deaths. The most common complications were: unplanned readmission (13.3%), prolonged ventilation > 48 h (9.8%), and unplanned reoperation (9.3%). In multivariable analysis, variables significantly associated with any complication were: black race (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.03–0.84; p = 0.03), hypertension (OR 5.04; 95% CI 1.79–14.17; p = 0.002) and longer duration of surgery (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.01–1.58; p = 0.04). Hypertension (OR 9.33; 95% CI 1.61–54.21; p = 0.01) and longer duration of surgery (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.05–2.17; p = 0.03) were also significant predictors for major complications. One-third of patients undergoing craniotomy for craniopharyngioma resection experienced a postoperative complication. While high, this contrasts previously reported rates of two-thirds. Prolonged operative time and hypertension are positive predictors of major complications. This information can assist in counseling patients and decision-making for management. We note that other treatment approaches, such as endoscopic surgical techniques, radiosurgery and radiation therapy likely have different profiles and predictors of complications.