Abstract: Objective To study the better way of avoidance of hypothalamus injury in surgical management of craniopharyngioma.Methods 40 cases with craniopharyngioma accepted surgery treatment were analyzed respectively.Results The pterional approach was performed in 30 cases, interfornical approach in 8 cases,subfrontal approach in 2 cases.Total removal of tumor was achieved in 35 cases,subtotal removal in 5 cases.One died from extradural hematoma after operation. No one died from hypothalamus injury.Conclusion Some way was key to avoid hypothalamus injury and to achieve a better surgical result, such as proper approach, separating strictly along tumor, identification of pituitary stalk and hypothalamus structure,preservation of perforating arteries to hypothalamus.

Key words: craniopharyngioma, surgery, hypothalamus injury