Microsurgery treatment of tentorial meningioma

Objective To summarize experience of microsurgery treatment for tentorial meningioma.Methods The clinical manifestation,neuroimaging datas,operation record,pathological findings and early postoperative complications of tentorial meningioma in 18 patients who underwent microsurgery operation from March 2003 to September 2008 were retrospectively analyzed.Results The tumors of 13 patients(Simpson gradeⅠ-:-4 cases,gradeⅡ-:-9 cases;72.2%) were totally removed,and tumors of 5 patients(Simpson grade Ⅲ,27.8%) were subtotally resected.There were no operative deaths.Postoperative complications were seen in 4 patients including injury of cranial nerves,cerebellar injury,leakage of cerebrospinal fluid,hemianopsia,intracranial infection and/or infection of incisional wound.During 1 to 6 years(mean 4.1 years) followed up period,only one patient recurred 2 years after operation.Conclusions The management of tumor′s bases and the relationship between tumor and neurovascular structures are the important criteria for choosing surgical approach.Protection of venous sinus and circumfluent vein is a principle of the utmost importance.If complete resection of tumor will likely lead to damage of important nervous function,subtotal remove should be considered.