The historical perspective in approaches to the spheno-petro-clival meningiomas

The current literature regarding surgical treatment for tumors in the sphenopetroclival (SPC) region is merely scarce. Through a comprehensive literature review, we investigated the indications, outcomes, and complications of different surgical approaches to the SPC meningiomas. Given its complicated relationship between these slow-progression tumors and some critical neurovascular structures in the SPC region, surgical treatment of these tumors faces the challenge of achieving a maximal grade of resection, while preserving patient functionality. The development of new surgical techniques and approaches in recent years have permitted the advancement in the treatment of these tumors, with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality. The choice of a surgical approach as a treatment for the lesion depends mainly on the type of tumor extension, surgeon’s preferences, and the displacement of neurovascular structures. Rather than focusing on one single strategy of treatment, the skull-base surgeon should tailor the approach based on the origin and features of the lesion; as well as the peculiarities of the surgical anatomy. This strategy aims to decrease morbidity and to optimize tumor resection and patient quality of life.