The safety and efficacy of endoscopic endonasal approach in the treatment of recurrent craniopharyngioma: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Craniopharyngioma is the most challenging brain tumor with a high recurrence rate. Some scholars have shown that endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) can achieve a higher total tumor resection rate and significantly reduce the incidence of complications and mortality. However, there is still no consensus on the surgical approach for recurrent craniopharyngioma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EEA in the treatment of recurrent craniopharyngioma. METHODS: We will search 7 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, AMED, Scopus) to collect related randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The resection rate, recurrence rate and progression-free survival rate will be regarded as the primary outcome, and the incidence of complications will be regarded as the secondary outcome. Endnote Software X9.0 will be used to filter articles, Review Manager Software 5.2 and STATA software 16.0 will be used for analysis and synthesis. RESULTS: We will integrate existing studies to assess the safety and efficacy of EEA in the treatment of recurrent craniopharyngioma. CONCLUSION: Our study will provide EEA as an effective and safe treatment for recurrent craniopharyngioma. REGISTRATION NUMBER: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42020199860