Extradural anterior clinoidectomy in surgical management of clinoidal meningiomas

Abstract

Background Despite the recent advances in skull base surgery, microsurgical techniques, and neuroimaging, yet surgical resection of clinoidal meningiomas is still a major challenge. In this study, we present our institution experience in the surgical treatment of anterior clinoidal meningiomas highlighting the role of extradural anterior clinoidectomy in improving the visual outcome and the extent of tumor resection. This is a prospective observational study conducted on 33 consecutive patients with clinoidal meningiomas. The surgical approach utilized consisted of extradural anterior clinoidectomy, optic canal deroofing with falciform ligament opening in all patients. The primary outcome assessment was visual improvement and secondary outcomes were extent of tumor resection, recurrence, and postoperative complications. Results The study included 5 males and 28 females with mean age 49.48 ± 11.41 years. Preoperative visual deficit was present in 30 (90.9%) patients. Optic canal involvement was present in 24 (72.7%) patients, ICA encasement was in 16 (48.5%), and cavernous sinus invasion in 8 (24.2%). Vision improved in 21 patients (70%), while 6 patients (20%) had stationary course and 1 patient (3%) suffered postoperative new visual deterioration. Gross total resection was achieved in 24 patients (72.7%). The main factors precluding total removal were cavernous sinus involvement and ICA encasement. Mortality rate was 6.1%; mean follow-up period was 27 ± 13 months. Conclusions In this series, the use of extradural anterior clinoidectomy provided a favorable visual outcome and improved the extent of resection in clinoidal meningioma patients.