Pediatric Midline Post Fossa Tumors Prognostic Factors and Outcomes

Midline Posterior Fossa Tumors, Pediatric Tumor

Pediatric, Midline Posterior Fossa Tumors, Prognostic factors

This study will follow children younger than 18 years with midline posterior fossa brain tumors who undergo standard surgical resection at Assiut University Hospital. The aim is to evaluate functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale and to explore how tumor type, extent of resection, and perioperative factors are associated with postoperative morbidity and survival. Results may help improve risk stratification and guide individualized treatment strategies for pediatric patients with these tumors.

This is a single-center, prospective, hospital-based observational cohort study conducted in the Neurosurgery Department at Assiut University Hospital. Consecutive pediatric patients (\<18 years) with radiologically confirmed midline posterior fossa tumors who are considered fit for surgery will be enrolled after informed consent from parents or legal guardians. Preoperative assessment will include demographic data, clinical presentation, neurological examination, and standardized brain MRI. All patients will undergo surgical resection according to routine neurosurgical practice, using an operating microscope and standard approaches appropriate to tumor location. Intraoperative details (position, approach, estimated blood loss, complications, and surgeon-assessed extent of resection) will be recorded, and tumor specimens will be sent for histopathological diagnosis. Early postoperative evaluation will document Glasgow Coma Scale, intensive care and hospital stay, and complications such as cerebellar mutism, hydrocephalus, and cranial nerve deficits. Postoperative imaging (CT or MRI) within 48 hours will be used to classify the extent of resection as gross total, near total, subtotal, or partial. Functional outcome will be assessed using the modified Rankin Scale at approximately 6 months after surgery, with patients categorized as having good (mRS 1-3) or poor (mRS 4-6) outcome. Additional follow-up visits (for example at 3 months, 6 months, and annually when feasible) will document tumor recurrence, need for adjuvant therapies, and long-term neurological sequelae. The main objective is to evaluate functional and radiological outcomes after surgical management of pediatric midline posterior fossa tumors and to identify prognostic factors that influence morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.

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