Retrosigmoid Transtentorial Approach Compared to Traditional Transpetrosal Approaches for the Resection of Petroclival Meningiomas: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background Transpetrosal approaches have become standard technique for resection of petroclival meningiomas (PCM). The retrosigmoid craniotomy has also been extensively studied as an alternative approach. The need to resect the tentorium at the end of a retrosigmoid approach has been described, but the upfront transtentorial variation of the retrosigmoid craniotomy has never been described nor evaluated in detail as a possible alternative to the standard petrosectomy approaches. Objective This study was aimed to directly compare the transpetrosal approaches to the retrosigmoid transtentorial approach (RSTTA) in terms of degree of resection, duration of surgery, and estimated blood loss (EBL). Methods A retrospective case-control study of patients who underwent resection of PCM between January 2014 and December 2018 was performed. Patients in the two surgical approach groups were matched for age and tumor location. The primary measured outcomes were duration of surgery, EBL, extent of resection, length of postoperative hospital stay, and complications. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests. Results Thirteen patients had microsurgical resection of PCM at our center between January 2014 and December 2018. Nine patients underwent a transpetrosal approach and four patients underwent RSTTA. The average duration of surgery was shorter in the RSTTA group (425 vs. 525.4 minutes) and had less blood loss (94 vs. 425 mL). Extent of resection was comparable between the groups. Conclusion The RSTTA appears to be a safe and efficient technique for resecting PCMs and in selected cases a valid alternative to standard petrosectomies approaches.

Commentary: Endoscope-Assisted Microsurgical Resection of a Large Petroclival Meningioma Using a Retrosigmoid Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

“…4 The retrosigmoid approach is thought to be an easily performed option (not time-consuming) with adequate exposure of the surgical area. 11,12 However, tumor dissection should be performed within the spaces of cranial nerves and vessel complex. In addition, an enlarged suprameatal tubercle may present an obstacle during posterior fossa operations.…”