OBJECTIVE: To explore the method and efficacy of microsurgery for anterior clinoidal meningiomas. METHODS: The clinical data of 53 patients with anterior clinoidal meningiomas treated from 1991-2009 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 15 males and 38 females. The age range was 33 - 65.5 years old (mean: 45.5). All patients underwent microsurgery through pterional, extended pterional, frontotemporal, frontotemporal and orbitozygomatic approaches. RESULTS: Of 53 patients, total, subtotal and partial resections were performed in 38, 10 and 5 cases respectively. Postoperatively, 48 patients recovered well, 4 had mild disability, 1 severe disability and no dead case. CONCLUSION: Most anterior clinoidal meningiomas can be removed safely and effectively. Several approaches may be used to achieve the best results. Microsurgical operation can offer a great aid in an effective resection of anterior clinoidal meningiomas and reduce the postoperative complications and mortality. Postoperative radiotherapy should be carried out for the residual tumor invading cavernous sinus or internal carotid artery.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the method and efficacy of microsurgery for anterior clinoidal meningiomas. METHODS: The clinical data of 53 patients with anterior clinoidal meningiomas treated from 1991-2009 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 15 males and 38 females. The age range was 33 - 65.5 years old (mean: 45.5). All patients underwent microsurgery through pterional, extended pterional, frontotemporal, frontotemporal and orbitozygomatic approaches. RESULTS: Of 53 patients, total, subtotal and partial resections were performed in 38, 10 and 5 cases respectively. Postoperatively, 48 patients recovered well, 4 had mild disability, 1 severe disability and no dead case. CONCLUSION: Most anterior clinoidal meningiomas can be removed safely and effectively. Several approaches may be used to achieve the best results. Microsurgical operation can offer a great aid in an effective resection of anterior clinoidal meningiomas and reduce the postoperative complications and mortality. Postoperative radiotherapy should be carried out for the residual tumor invading cavernous sinus or internal carotid artery.