Retrospective analysis of microsurgical treatment in 51 cases of meningioma in petroclival region

OBJECTIVE:To discuss how to improve the surgical effect in the removal of meningioma in petroclical region. METHODS: by using retrospective analysis, we reviewed 51 cases of meningioma in petroclival region, explained the features of different approaches and discussed the strategy for the ones invading into cavernous sinus and the protection of neural function. RESULTS: Transpetrosal retrolabyrinthectomy- presigmoid approach was performed in 26 patients, retrosigmoid approach was performed in 11 patients, subtemporal approach was used in 7 patients, combined approach was used in 4 patients, while another 3 patients chosed the staging operation. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 20 patients, near gross total resection (NTR) was achieved in 23 patients, and 8 achieved subtotal resection(STR). According to the postoperative evaluation of neurological function in 1-2 weeks, 19 patients (37%) got aggravation results who experienced new postoperative cranial nerve deficits, 26 (51%)remained the same, while 6 (12%)encountered slightly improvement, 2 patients died after operation, 2 suffered from the edema of temporal lobe, and 3 patients had the symptoms of leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. CONCLUSION: Individualization design of operative approach and the strategy makes the great significance in decreasing the happening of cranial nerve deficits.