[Preoperative embolization in meningioma of the ponto-cerebellar angle. Indications and advantages]

Preoperative embolization of meningiomas has been performed in order to reduce surgical hemorrhage during the removal of these vascularized tumors. In this paper we emphasize the fact that occlusion of the tumoral vessels by artificial emboli produces an ischemic necrosis that greatly helps tumor exeresis. This is especially useful in meningiomas of certain localizations requiring complex surgical approaches. In our case, a giant ponto-cerebellar meningioma was dried up totally and then removed with relative ease through a conventional suboccipítal lateral craniectomy. The technique, indications and control of preoperative embolization are reviewed.