Endoscopic Transorbital Approach for the Management of Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: Literature Review and Preliminary Experience

World Neurosurg. 2023 Aug:176:43-59. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.03.126. Epub 2023 Apr 5.

Abstract

Objective: The endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) is a minimally invasive approach that could be particularly appropriate for management of spheno-orbital meningiomas. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the management of spheno-orbital meningiomas via the minimally invasive ETOA, searching for clinical scenarios in which this approach could be best indicated. A secondary aim was to describe 4 illustrative cases.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data including patient demographics, tumor features, and surgical and postoperative outcomes were collected. Cases from our initial experience with ETOA were included in the data.

Results: Data of 58 patients from 9 selected records and from our surgical series were collected. Subtotal, near-total, and gross total resection rates were 44.8%, 10.3%, and 32.7%, respectively. Symptom improvement after surgery was 100% for proptosis, 93% for visual impairment, and 87% for ophthalmoplegia. The most common postoperative complications were transient ophthalmoplegia and maxillary nerve hypoesthesia. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was reported in 2 patients.

Conclusions: Our findings support the use of the ETOA for management of spheno-orbital meningiomas, particularly in at least 3 clinical scenarios: 1) when predominant hyperostotic bone is present; 2) when a globular tumor not showing excessive medial or inferior infiltration is being treated; 3) as part of a multistage treatment for diffuse lesions.

Keywords: Endoscopic transorbital; Skull base surgery; Spheno-orbital meningiomas; Systematic review.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endoscopy
  • Humans
  • Meningeal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Meningioma* / pathology
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Sphenoid Bone / pathology
  • Sphenoid Bone / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome