Microsurgery of Meningiomas Involving the Superior Sagittal Sinus

Meningiomas involving major dural sinuses can be difficult to resect without proper handling of the sinus. In young patients, a gross total resection should be attempted when feasible. A 24-year-old man presented with headaches, progressive left-sided weakness, and partial motor seizures. He was found to have a parasagittal meningioma in front of the motor cortex that invaded the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). The sinus was still patent, and the walls were preserved. Thus a gross total resection was achieved with primary suturing of the sinus, followed by reinforcement with an AnastoClip GC. Videos 1-3 details the separation of the tumor from the convexity veins and the cortex, removal of the tumor from the SSS, and reconstruction of the SSS. Gross total resection of meningiomas involving the SSS is achievable without sacrificing the sinus when planned correctly and methodically. The patient consented for the procedure and to the publication of these images.

Totally Endoscopic Resection of Recurrent Convexity Meningioma Following Multiple Surgeries: Oblique Trajectory to Avoid Manipulation of a Vascularized Free Flap: A Technical Note

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic surgery is widely used for intraventricular and skull base tumor resections; however, its utility is not limited to deep parts of the brain.

METHODS

A 73-year-old female presented with left-side hemiparesis and seizures due to a relapsed atypical meningioma of convexity. The tumor was located just under a synthetic bone substitute and was covered by a delicate myocutaneous free flap, preventing the usual skin incision route to approach the lesion.

RESULTS

The tumor was successfully removed using an endoscope without damaging the flap.

CONCLUSIONS

With the aid of an endoscope, a superficial meningioma could be removed with the affected dura through a small craniotomy.

Convexity meningioma resection in the modern neurosurgical era

Convexity meningiomas are among the most common extra-axial tumors encountered in neurosurgery. Advances in diagnostic imaging, intraoperative technology, and nonsurgical treatment modalities have changed the face of neurosurgical oncology. In this chapter we describe the modern neurosurgeon's approach to convexity meningiomas in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.