Supraorbital minicraniotomy approach for microsurgical treatment of suprasellar meningiomas

Abstract

Objective To investigate the microsurgical technique,indications, advantages and limitations of the supraorbital minicraniotomy approach via an eyebrow skin incision or a fronto-temporal skin incision for resection of the suprasellar meningiomas. Methods Retrospective analysis of consecutive 21 cases with suprasellar meningiomas who were treated microsurgically in our hospital. All tumors were resected via a small eyebrow incision or a fronto-temporal skin incision through a supraorbital minicraniotomy. Results This approach can provided excellent exposure to all the tumors .The Simpson grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ dissection of tumor was achieved in 5, 15 and 1 cases respectively. There were no severe complications and operative death. The cases with visual deficits had all improved in some degree. The average follow-up period was 3.8 years ranged from 6 months to 5 years, tumor was residual in one case. Conclusion It seems that the supraorbital minicraniotomy approach is simple, less invasive and useful as an alternative to traditional subfrontal or pterional approach for resecting suprasellar meningiomas. It provides excellent exposure to suprasellar meningiomas. Key words: Supraorbital craniotomy; Suprasellar meningiomas; Minimally invasive surgery