[Meningiomas of sella turcica: some clinical aspects]

The authors present their own experience in the treatment of tuberculum sellae meningiomas. The presented series includes 14 patients operated on during past 7 years. Visual loss was the first symptom in 78% of patients. The period between the onset of symptom and surgical treatment was long and in the majority of patients exceeded 2 years. Monocular blindness was found in 71% of cases prior to surgery. The authors present the results of surgical treatment with special attention directed to visual function after surgery. In conclusion, the authors stress the still unacceptably long period between the onset of symptoms and correct diagnosis. When the size of tumour exceeds 4 cm and compressing of adjacent important neurovascular structures is evident, possibilities of total removal are limited and the chance for visual improvement is low.