Tuberculum Sella Meningioma: Surgical Management and Results with Emphasis on Visual Outcome

Background Tuberculum sella meningioma form a distinct surgical entity with significant morbidity for the patient due to early and profound visual involvement. Surgical treatment of tuberculum sella meningioma is challenging in view of the proximity of vital neuro-vasculature. These lesions may be approached via a high-route (trans-cranial) or a low-route (trans-sphenoidal). Materials and Methods The authors present a consecutive series of 36 patients, operated by the first author from 1996 onward, with an analysis of clinical presentation (emphasizing visual deterioration), imaging features, operative approaches, and outcome with postoperative visual status. Results There were 36 patients (72 eyes) in the series, 75% females and 25% males. The mean age of patients was 48.05 +/- 10.02 years. In all, 88.89% had visual diminution, 50% had headache, 5.56% had behavioral changes, and 2.78% had seizures. The mean tumor size was 4.01 +/- 1.01 cm. The frontotemporal approach was employed in 66.67% of patients, and all patients underwent a right-sided approach. There was no significant difference between improvement in the vision between the right eye and left eye, despite the fact that right-sided approach was employed in nearly cases. Conclusion While tuberculum sella meningioma have profound morbidity in terms of visual deterioration, timely surgical intervention may help patients gain serviceable vision postoperatively. We advocate the trans-cranial approach and find no difference in visual outcomes on employing right-sided approach, regardless of the side with worse vision.