Recurrence of Anterior Skull Base Meningiomas After Endoscopic Endonasal Resection: 10 Years' Experience in a Series of 52 Endoscopic and Transcranial Cases

INTRODUCTION: Although the indication of endoscopic approaches for anterior skull base meningiomas (ASBM) has been progressively refined, there remains a paucity of data on recurrence rates after resection. To analyze and compare recurrence rates of ASBM resected through endoscopic endonasal (EEE) versus transcranial (TCA) approaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients submitted to the EEE or TCA approach for ASBM resection from May 2006 to January 2016 in our center. Clinical, radiological, and pathology data were retrieved for analysis. Tumor size, location, surgical technique, extent of resection, and tumor grade were assessed. The 2 groups were compared to identify predictors and differences regarding tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (17 olfactory groove meningioma [OGM] and 35 tuberculum sellae meningioma [TSM]) were included; 26 (6 OGM and 20 TSM) underwent EEE and 26 (13 OGM and 13 TSM) TCA, with a mean followup of 41 months. Gross total resection was achieved in 38 (73%) patients (18 [69%] in EEE and 20 [77%] in TCA). Eight (15%) patients presented with recurrence: 5 (19%) in the EEE group and 3 (11.5%) in the TCA group without a statistical difference (P = 0.69). Among the recurrences, gross total resection had been achieved in 1 case of each group. In the EEE group, 1 patient underwent TCA for a recurrent tumor and another patient was referred for radiosurgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown an overall similar recurrence rate of ASBM regardless of the technique used. However, the analysis of larger series with longer followup is necessary to clearly define the indications and to fully validate the efficacy of EEE.