Neurosurg Focus
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Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign masses arising from the embryological Rathke pouch, and are commonly treated by transsphenoidal surgery. The authors retrospectively compared RCC extent of resection-either gross-total resection (GTR) or decompression-to the primary outcome measure, which was recurrences resulting in repeat surgery, and the secondary outcome measure, which was complications. ⋯ It appears that RCCs require repeat surgery in 13% of cases, and attempted GTR does not appear to reduce the overall rate of recurrence. However, more aggressive resections are associated with more complications in this series.