Endoscopic transnasal resection of an anterior planum sphenoidale meningioma

Planum sphenoidale meningiomas comprise about 2% of all primary intracranial tumors. More often, they carry a significant surgical challenge due to their relation to the surrounding vital neurovascular structures. Endoscopic endonasal approach to such tumors holds multiple advantages to the transcranial counterpart in terms of coagulating the vascular supply, minimal brain retraction, and the ability to fully expose the tumor with the affected dura.

In this surgical video, we are presenting a case of a 28-year-old male, who presented to our hospital after he had one episode of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure that was controlled with an antiepileptic medication. Neurological examination was unremarkable including optic and olfactory nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large anterior skull base mass located at the planum sphenoidale anteriorly. The patient underwent an endoscopic transnasal approach, drilling of the planum sphenoidale, and en bloc total resection of the tumor. In the follow-up office visit, the patient had no more seizures with preserved olfaction; MRI revealed no tumor residual.

Planum sphenoidale meningiomas are surgically challenging due to its close proximity to important structures, such as pituitary gland, internal carotid arteries, and optic chiasm. Respecting the arachnoid plane and generous coagulation of vascular supply from the ethmoid arteries facilitate safe removal.