The Alberta standardized orbital technique in the management of spheno-orbital meningiomas

To describe a standardized orbital resection technique and outcomes for spheno-orbital meningiomas with soft-tissue invasion of the orbit.

A retrospective case review of patients with spheno-orbital meningioma that underwent resection utilizing the Alberta Standardized Orbital Technique (ASOT) between 2008 and 2017 was performed.

Twenty patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen females and five males, with an average age of 53.4 years (SD ± 13.1 years). Mean follow-up was 57.3 months (SD ± 29.5 months). Eight cases (40%) had attempted resection prior to referral. Based on pre-operative plan, patients were divided into two groups based on goal of resection. Of those with planned complete resection (Group I), 11/13 patients (84.6%) underwent complete excision, with no cases of orbital recurrence. Incomplete resection in two cases occurred because of unexpected involvement of critical intra-cranial structures. Thus, in total 9/20 patients (Group II and 2 from Group I) underwent subtotal resection. Of these incomplete resections, five cases of orbital recurrence were observed; four patients required adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and one patient underwent further debulking surgery. Orbital control was achieved in three of these recurrent cases. Complications reported were persistent postoperative diplopia (three cases/15%) and wound infection (one case/5%). Overall, stable orbital disease was obtained in 18 patients (90%).

The ASOT demonstrated to be effective, achieving the pre-operative plan of complete resection in 11/13 cases (84.6%) with no recurrence in those with clear orbital margins.