Discussion of the therapy strategy of meningiomas arising from petroclival region

Abstract

Objective To define the optimal therapy of petroclival meningiomas. Method This retrospective analysis represented our experience with 44 petroclival meningiomas between 1999 and 2006. We compared their neurological deficits, living quality and tumor recurrence. Results Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 16 patients, near gross total resection(NTR) was achieved in 20 patients, and 8 achieved subtotal resection (STR). Postoperative radiation was administered to patients who had residual tumors. According to the postoperative evaluation of neurological function in 1-2 weeks, 18 patients experieneed new postoperative cranial nerve deficits, 22 remained the same, while 4 encountered slightly improvement. GOS was used to record the quality of life in survivors in 1-year-follow up, 36 of 44 were GOS ≥4,8 of 44 were GOS <4. And 4 tumor recurrences were observed after 3 years. Conclusions Blind pursuing GTR of tumors may significantly lead to a higher morbidity of postoperative cranial nerve deficits and depression of quality of life in survivors. NTR combined with postoperative radiotherapy may be a better strategy of petroclival meningiomas. Key words: Petroclival region ; Meningioma; Microsurgery