Microsurgery for tuberculum sellae meningiomas(a report of 30 cases)

Objective To explore the curative effect of microsurgery on tuberculum sellae meningiomas.Method The clinical data of 30 patients with tuberculum sellae meningiomas undergoing microsurgery from January,2000 to January,2008 were analyzed retrospectively.Results Of the 30 patients with tuberculum sellae meningiomas,24 received total resection of the tumors and 4 subtotal resection and 2 part resection.Decompression was performed in 2 cases because of the brain edema.One patient died postoperatively.Of 26 patients with visual disturbance before the operation,20 were significantly improved in the visual power,4 had unchanged in the visual power and 2 suffered from visual deterioration after the operation.Twenty-six patients were followed up from 3 to 38 months.Two patients undergoing the decompression received cranioplasty respectively 6 and 8 months after the operation.The tumors recurred during following up in 3 patients,of whom,2 underwent the second operation and 1 received radiotherapy.Conclusion Although tuberculum sellae meningioma is located in the skull base,and close to the important vessels and nerves,the satisfactory clinical outcome of microsurgery for tuberculum sellae meningioma may be achieved.