Petroclival meningiomas and the petrosal approach

Handb Clin Neurol. 2020:170:133-141. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-822198-3.00035-5.

Abstract

As with other meningiomas, the goal of petroclival meningioma treatment should be curative total removal by achieving a Simpson I resection of the tumor, dura, and bone. Petroclival meningiomas particularly pose a great technical challenge because of their deep location and intimate relation with vital neurovascular structures. They require adequate exposure and trajectory to achieve total removal while minimizing the manipulation and risk to critical neurovascular structures, such as the vertebrobasilar system, the brainstem, and the cranial nerves. Here, we describe the indications and technical nuances of the posterior and combined posterior-anterior petrosal approaches for petroclival meningiomas.

Keywords: Brain tumor; Meningioma; Middle fossa approach; Petroclival; Petrosal approach; Posterior petrosal approach skull base.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / pathology
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Meningioma / pathology
  • Meningioma / surgery*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / surgery*