Septal transposition: A novel technique for preservation of the nasal septum during endoscopic endonasal resection of olfactory groove meningiomas

Abstract

Endonasal resection of olfactory groove meningiomas allows for several advantages over transcranial routes, including a direct approach to the bilateral anterior cranial base and dura mater, early tumor devascularization, and avoidance of brain retraction. Although considered minimally invasive, the endoscopic approach to the cribriform plate typically requires resection of the superior nasal septum, resulting in a large superior septal perforation. The septal transposition technique improves preservation of sinonasal anatomy through the elimination of a septal perforation while allowing for wide exposure to the midline anterior cranial base and harvest of a nasal septal flap. Herein, the authors describe a 39-year-old female who presented with a progressively enlarging olfactory groove meningioma. An endoscopic endonasal resection with a septal transposition technique was performed. On follow-up, the nasal cavity had completely normal anatomy with preservation of the turbinates and nasal septum. The authors conclude that septal transposition is a useful technique that allows wide exposure of the anterior cranial base with maximal preservation of normal nasal anatomy and avoidance of a large septal perforation.