Gravity-Assisted Ipsilateral Paramedian Approach for Parafalcine Meningioma Resection

In our series, the gravity-assisted ipsilateral paramedian approach was shown to be safe and advantageous for the resection of parafalcine meningioma, because it does not result in contralateral brain impingement and does not require brain retraction. We have reported the technical details of this method and the outcomes of our patients.

From September 2018 to September 2019, 10 consecutive patients with parafalcine meningioma underwent microsurgery using the gravity-assisted ipsilateral paramedian approach. The clinical data, radiological images, and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed.

All 10 patients (5 men and 5 women, mean age, 55.8 ± 12.5 years) underwent safe tumor resection. Of the 10 tumors, 6 were located in the frontal area, 2 in the parietal area, and 2 in frontal and parietal area. The superior sagittal sinus wall had been affected in 6 patients. Obvious perilesional edema was observed in 60% of the patients. During surgery, bridging veins were encountered in 8 patients and were preserved, except for a small branch. Brain retraction or transgression was not required, and gross total resection was achieved in all 10 patients. No major postoperative complications occurred, except for an unexpected subacute subdural hematoma 1 month postoperatively. All 10 patients had achieved a favorable outcome (Glasgow outcome scale, ≥ 4) at discharge, which remained the same after a mean follow-up of 5.8 ± 3.7 months.

The results from the present case series have demonstrated the safety of the gravity-assisted ipsilateral paramedian approach for parafalcine meningioma resection. The approach provides good tumor exposure and clear identification and preservation of bridging veins, does not result in contralateral brain impingement, and does not require excessive brain retraction.