PETROCLIVAL AND FORAMEN MAGNUM MENINGIOMAS - SURGICAL APPROACHES AND PITFALLS

The management of petroclival and foramen magnum meningiomas has been revolutionized by the techniques of cranial base surgery. However, the se tumors are still among the most difficult cranial base lesions to t reat. In this report, we discuss the classification, presenting sympto ms, preoperative investigation, treatment indications, operative appro aches and technique, postoperative complications and care, and results of surgery of petroclival and foramen magnum meningiomas. Careful ana lysis of tumor- and patient-related factors has helped us to predict w hich features can lead to postoperative problems in patients allowing surgeons to appropriately modify their behavior. The application of cr anial base tecniques-combined with new knowledge about the limitations of microsurgical resection-can greatly reduce postoperative morbidity in these patients.