Resection of anterior cranial base meningiomas with intra- and extracranial involvement via a purely endoscopic endonasal approach.

OBJECTIVE

The complete resection of anterior cranial base meningiomas with intra- and extracranial involvement is always challenging. We describe our experience of treating such meningiomas via a purely endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA).

METHODS

Eight patients with intra- and extradural meningiomas were operated via EEA. In this study, we describe the operative technique, and analyze the degree of resection, complications and the clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The complete resection of meningiomas with intra- and extracranial involvement was achieved in all patients using EEA. Preoperative visual symptoms were improved or resolved in all cases. One patient experienced a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and delayed meningitis. No patient in our series experienced a new neurological deficit after surgery or recurrence in the follow-up period (18-60 months).

CONCLUSION

Our limited experience indicates that EEA is feasible and safe for the complete resection of anterior cranial base meningiomas with intra- and extracranial involvement in one stage in selected cases.