Optimizing Surgical Management of Anterior Skull Base Meningiomas: Imaging Modalities, Key Surgical Considerations, and Risk Mitigation Strategies.

Abstract

Skull base meningiomas present considerable challenges in surgical management due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Anterior skull base meningiomas encompass olfactory groove, supra- and parasellar, anterior sphenoid ridge, cavernous sinus, and spheno-orbital tumors. The success of surgical resection and the likelihood of complications are influenced by several key factors, including the presence of an intact arachnoid plane, tumor size and consistency, peritumoral brain edema, cranial nerve involvement, vascular encasement, and invasion of critical areas such as the optic canal or cavernous sinus. These factors not only affect the feasibility of gross total resection but also play a pivotal role in determining functional outcomes and postoperative recovery. With the vast array of imaging modalities available, selecting the most appropriate investigations to assess these parameters and tailoring surgical strategies accordingly remain complex tasks. This review examines the critical surgical parameters, identifies the most effective imaging modalities for evaluating each, and provides key insights into how this analysis can guide surgical decision-making, mitigate risks, and minimize complications.