Petroclival Meningiomas: Factors Determining the Choice of Approach

Abstract

<b>Objectives</b> To review a surgical series of petroclival meningiomas and the factors considered in the choice of approach. <b>Design</b> Retrospective review. <b>Setting</b> The study was conducted in a university hospital in southern Brazil. <b>Participants</b> Twenty-two patients with petroclival meningioma originating from the upper two-thirds of the clivus medial to the fifth cranial nerve. <b>Main Outcome Measures</b> Gross-total resection, mortality, major morbidity, new cranial nerve deficits and tumor progression or recurrence. <b>Results</b> Retrosigmoid approach was used in tumors <3 cm and in those at or below the internal auditory meatus. Posterior petrosectomy was performed for tumors extending into the middle fossa. Gross-total resection was performed in 11 patients (50%). The mean follow-up time was 32 months (6-75 months). There were four cases of tumor progression or recurrence, which were treated with radiosurgery. <b>Conclusions</b> Resection of petroclival meningiomas remains challenging. In most cases, the retrosigmoid approach was sufficient, without affecting the degree of tumor resection. Petrosal approaches were reserved for patients with tumor extension into the middle fossa.