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Subtemporal transtentorial petrosalapex approach for giant petroclival meningiomas: analyzation and evaluation of the clinical application.

ABSTRACT: With the advent of microsurgery and surgical techniques, along with the improvement in neuroimaging techniques and the microanatomy in cadaver study, improvement in terms of surgical morbidity and mortality has been remarkable; however, controversy still exists regarding the optimal surgical strategies for giant petroclival meningiomas (GPMs). We report a study of clinical and radiological features as well as the surgical findings and outcomes for patients with GPM treated at our institution over the past 6 years. During a 6-year period (April 2004 to March 2010), 16 patients with GPM underwent surgery by subtemporal transtentorial petrosal apex approach during which electrophysiological monitoring of cranial nerves and brainstem function were reviewed. There were nine females and seven males with a mean age of 56.9 years (range from 32 to 78 years). The most frequent clinical manifestations were headache (93.7%) and dizziness (93.7%). Regions and directions of tumor extension include clivus, parasellar, and cavernous sinus, as well as compression of brainstem, and so on. The trochlear nerve was totally wrapped in nine cases (56.2%). The postoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score was 76.3 ± 13.1. Mean maximum diameter of the tumors on magnetic resonance imaging was 5.23 cm (range, 4.5 to 6.2 cm). Subtemporal transtentorial petrosalapex approach was performed in all 16 cases. Gross total resection was achieved in 14 cases (87.5%) and subtotal resection in 2 cases (12.5%) with no resultant mortality. Follow-up data were available for all 16 patients, with a mean follow-up period of 28.8 months (range from 4 to 69 months), of which 11 (68.75%) lived a normal life (KPS, 80-100). Our suggestion is that GPM could be completely resected by subtemporal transtentorial petrosalapex approach. The surgical strategy of GPM should be focused on survival and postoperative quality of life. Microneurosurgical technique plays a key role in tumor resection and preservation of nerve function. Intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring also contributes dramatically to the preservation of the nerve function. Complete resection of the tumor should be attempted at the first operation. Any remnant is treated by radiosurgery.

SUBMITTER: Yang J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3424020 | biostudies-other | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Project description:Background:Petroclival lesions pose a significant neurosurgical challenge due to involvement or close proximity to important neurovascular structures. Chondrosarcomas are rare lesions that can affect these areas. Case Description:A 24-year-old male with 3 months history of poor coordination, imbalance, left-sided face hypoesthesia, facial palsy House-Brackmann Grade 2, and 6th cranial nerve palsy with diplopia. Hearing was preserved. Preoperative images showed a 5.5 cm multilobulated enhancing extra-axial mass centered in the left petroclival region with extension into middle and posterior fossa causing severe (Stage 3) brainstem compression.[1] After a lengthy discussion of treatment options, the patient consented for the procedure. We performed a presigmoid retrolabyrinthine combined petrosal approach. We used cranial nerves monitoring (VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII), frameless stereotaxy, and a lumbar drain. Due to the tumor size and location (petroclival region with extension into the posterior and middle cranial fossa), we chose this approach to achieve a maximal safe resection of the tumor and preserve hearing. Alternative approaches of use are expanded middle fossa with transcavernous extension or expanded endonasal approach. The selected approach achieved wide exposure of the tumor which was highly vascular. The tumor was carefully dissected off the brainstem, cranial nerves (IV, V, VI, VII, VIII), and basilar artery trunk. A gross total resection was achieved (Multimedia 1). The patient did well after surgery and was extubated on postoperative day (POD) 1 and the lumbar drain removed on POD 5. Pathology reported low-grade chondrosarcoma (WHO grade I). At 3 months follow-up, the patient improved neurologically, including facial nerve weakness (House-Brackmann Grade 1) except for his left 6th cranial nerve palsy which mildly improved. Conclusion:Petroclival chondrosarcomas are rare tumors that are usually treated with surgical resection followed by stereotactic radiosurgery. The tumor size, location, and extension dictate approach selection. For lesions involving the petroclival region with extension into the middle fossa and posterior fossa, the combined petrosal approach is reasonable.

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Subtemporal transtentorial petrosalapex approach for giant petroclival meningiomas: analyzation and evaluation of the clinical application.

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