Abstract: To evaluate the results and significance of a modified pterional approach, 20 patients with craniopharyngiomas were operated by using this approach. The surgical results were analyzed prospectively and compared with the standard pterional approach. It showed that no significant difference in the tumor resection degree and main complications between two approaches(P>0.05). But patients treated by the modifed approach had less operative trauma, achieved better out-looking and had shorter hospitalization(P<0.05). The modified approach is a safe and convenient minimal-invasive approach in the treatment of lesions of the sellar region such as craniopharyngiomas.

Key words: minimal-invasive|surgical approach|craniopharyngiomas