Abstract This study presents a twelve-year review of paediatric posterior fossa tumors treated surgically in Hong Kong from 2012 to 2024, involving a total of 53 patients with an average age at diagnosis of 6.5 years (ranging from 0.5 to 17 years). The follow-up period varied, with the shortest being three months; during this time, nine patients passed away, and one was lost to follow-up. The most common diagnosis was medulloblastoma, affecting 33 patients (over half of the cohort), followed by ependymoma in eight patients, ATRT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor) in four, pilocytic astrocytoma in four, high-grade glioma in two, and one patient each diagnosed with pilomyxoid astrocytoma and yolk sac tumor. Among the survivors, 38 patients achieved a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2, indicating favorable functional outcomes. The management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) issues was significant, as expected in this group of patients, with 27 patients requiring shunt procedures (including 7 successful endoscopic third ventriculostomies), while 26 patients did not require any CSF shunting. This finding highlights that just over 50% of the patients needed intervention for hydrocephalus associated with their tumors, underscoring the importance of careful monitoring and management strategies in paediatric cases involving posterior fossa tumors. We hope this study will facilitate a review of our practice outcomes and foster collaboration with our international colleagues to enhance the standard of care for paediatric brain tumors locally.
Lau et al. (Fri,) studied this question.