Impact of Tumor Characteristics on Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to Tuberculum Sellae and Planum Sphenoidale Meningiomas: Single Center Experience.

Abstract

Background and objectives: The expanded endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has emerged as a viable alternative technique for the removal of tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM) and planum sphenoidale meningioma (PSM), offering early tumor devascularization, wide optic canal decompression, while avoiding brain manipulation. The authors present 13-year experience with retrospective analysis evaluating the impact of tumor characteristics on the outcomes of TSM and PSM resections using the expanded EEA.

Methods: Patients who underwent expanded EEA for TSMs or PSMs from 2010 to 2022 were analyzed. Patient's demographics, preoperative evaluations, tumor features, previous treatments, surgical outcomes, complications, follow-up, and recurrence rates were reviewed. Meningiomas were classified using the Sekhar-Mortazavi classification.

Results: The study included 52 patients (32 with TSMs and 20 with PSMs). Visual impairment was the most common presenting symptom, occurring in 41 patients (78.8%). Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 42 patients (80.7%), reaching 92% for Sekhar-Mortazavi class I tumors. GTR rates decreased with larger tumor size, optic pathway involvement, and vascular encasement. Fibrous and fibroelastic tumors had lower resection rates. The postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak rate decreased from 23.3% (2010-2017) to 9% (2018-2022), and 34 patients (79%) experienced visual improvement after surgery.

Conclusion: The expanded EEA is a safe and effective technique for the resection of TSM and PSM, facilitating GTR and improving visual outcomes.