Microsurgical resection of a large petroclival meningioma via translabyrinthine approach combined with middle fossa craniotomy

Abstract

Petroclival meningiomas arise from the upper two-thirds of the clivus at the petroclival junction and are reached via various approaches. As petroclival meningiomas expand, they displace the brainstem and basilar artery toward the contralateral side. Because of their proximity to critical structures and deep skull base location, surgical treatment is challenging. Although several approaches have been introduced, their rationales vary. Herein, the authors demonstrate microsurgical resection of a large petroclival meningioma via a translabyrinthine approach combined with middle fossa craniotomy. For each approach, the pros and cons should be carefully evaluated based on the patient’s presentation and lesion characteristics.