Safety and Efficacy of Preoperative Embolization in Patients with hypervascularized Meningioma

Abstract

Objective: Preoperative embolization of meningiomas can facilitate their resection when they are difficult to remove. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed our experience of embolization using particulate embolic material and coil to clarify the therapeutic efficacy, safety, and risk of complication. Methods: We reviewed 50 patients who underwent embolization with particulate embolic material or with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA)followed by surgical resection. For a total of 50 procedures of preoperative embolization. We analyzed the following clinical data: age, sex, tumor size pathology, complications related to embolization, and surgeon’s opinion on the intraoperative ease of debulking and blood transfusion. Embolization was performed mainly from the branches of the external carotid artery and branches of the vertebral artery. Results: No allogenic blood transfusions were needed for any patients. The surgeon had the opinion that whitening and softening of the tumor allowed for easy debulking during decompression of the tumor in most of the patients. Transient cranial nerve palsy was seen in one patient. One allergic complication occurred. Conclusion: Preoperative embolization could give us an advantage in surgery for meningioma. The procedure reduces intraoperative blood loss and operating time by softening the tumor consistency. However, we must pay attention to the possibility of embolic complications and keep the preparation of emergency craniotomy, particularly in patients with large meningiomas. Keywords: Meningioma; Embolization; Resection; Endovascular treatment; Preoperative embolization;