Clinical Outcome after Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Tuberculum Sella Meningiomas

In select cases, the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has distinct advantages for resection of tuberculum sella meningiomas (TSM).

To report the extent of resection (EOR), complication rates, and outcomes in a large series of TSM treated by the EEA.

Twenty-five consecutive TSM cases treated by EEA from 2008 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient history, imaging, volumetric EOR, complications, and outcomes are presented.

Mean patient age was 53.9 yr, with female predominance (84%). Preoperatively, 84% of patients had vision impairment and 68% had optic canal tumor invasion. The tumor was abutting or partially encasing the anterior cerebral artery in 14 (56%) and 3 (12%) patients, respectively. The supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) was partially or completely encased in 4 (16%) and 4 (16%) patients, respectively. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 19/25 (76%) cases. Complete ICA encasement was the most common reason for subtotal resection. Among patients without complete ICA encasement, GTR was achieved in 19/20 (95%) patients. Optic canal invasion, tumor volume, intratumoral calcifications, and partial vascular encasement were not limiting factors for GTR. Eighty-eight percent of patients with preoperative visual impairment had improvement or normalization of vision. No patient experienced permanent visual deterioration or new permanent pituitary dysfunction. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 (8%) cases.

The EEA for resection of TSM provides high rates of GTR and visual improvement with a low rate of complications. Direct contact or partial encasement of the ICA and anterior cerebral artery does not limit the EOR.