Abstract
Background To describe our operative strategy and analyze its safety and effectiveness for the
removal of medial sphenoid wing meningiomas (MSWMs) through the extended pterional
approach.
Method We identified 47 patients with MSWMs who were operated using this approach between
1986 and 2016. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging results, and clinical follow-up
evaluations were reviewed and retrospectively analyzed.
Results No surgical mortality was observed in this sample. Gross total resection was achieved
in 30 (63.8%) patients. Intradural clinoidectomy was performed in 16 (34%) patients.
The median length of follow-up was 8.5 years (range, 1–30 years).
Conclusion The extended pterional approach associated with microsurgery techniques provided
excellent results for the removal of MSWMs.
Keywords
intracranial meningiomas - medial sphenoid wing meningiomas - meningiomas - extended
pterional craniotomy