J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2014; 75 - A173
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1370579

Cysto-Sphenoid Stenting for Rathke's Cleft Cysts

James K. Byrd 1, Juan C. Fernandez-Miranda 1, Eric W. Wang 1, Paul A. Gardner 1, Carl H. Snyderman 1
  • 1Pittsburgh, USA

Objectives: To describe a technique to prevent reaccumulation of Rathke's Cleft Cysts (RCC) after endoscopic endonasal surgery.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for the years 2012–2013 to identify patients who had undergone endoscopic surgery for RCC with placement of a cysto-sphenoid sinus stent.

Results: Five patients were identified. Mean age was 24 years old, and mean follow-up was 6.8 months (range 1–14). One patient had undergone a previous RCC surgery 16 months prior with recurrence. Stents were removed between 29 and 34 days postoperatively in three patients. Two patients have asymptomatic retained stents and are being observed. One patient required temporary corticosteroid replacement but no patient developed permanent endocrine dysfunction. There has been one minimal, asymptomatic recurrence that has not required revision. No patient developed a postoperative CSF leak.

Conclusions: Rathke's Cleft Cysts are benign sellar lesions that have a small, but not infrequent, rate of recurrence. We describe a well-tolerated technique that may decrease the rate of surgical revision.