Endoscopic Transorbital Approach and Transcranial Approach in Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: A Comparative Qualitative and Preliminary Quantitative Anatomical Study

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) are rare tumors described as benign despite their aggressive, osteodestructive behavior. Their invasive nature makes surgical management complex and often precludes complete excision. Reaching structures within the orbit remains challenging, particularly due to insufficient exposure or overly long surgical pathways. This study aimed to provide a qualitative anatomical description of two approaches-transcranial and endoscopic transorbital-and a preliminary quantitative analysis to assess the distances required to reach the anatomical areas most commonly involved in SOMs. <b>Methods</b>: Anatomical dissections were performed on five specimens (ten sides) at the Laboratory of Surgical Neuroanatomy (LSNA), University of Barcelona. Each specimen underwent pre- and post-dissection CT scans, and all data were organized using the BrainLab<sup>®</sup> Workstation System. <b>Results</b>: Both approaches provided good exposure of structures deeply involved in SOMs. A description of the superior orbital fissure (SOF), inferior orbital fissure (IOF), and optic canal (OC) was achieved from both perspectives. The preliminary quantitative analysis showed significantly shorter distances to key anatomical targets using the endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) compared to the transcranial route. <b>Conclusions</b>: Currently, despite significant advances, the choice of the optimal surgical approach remains debated, reflecting the complexity of balancing tumor control with functional preservation. Both approaches allow for thorough evaluation of the orbital region, offering precise anatomical insights useful for SOM management.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-09-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196744
Citations
3
Primary Topic
Meningioma and schwannoma management
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
4.06
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article

Endoscopic Transorbital Approach and Transcranial Approach in Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: A Comparative Qualitative and Preliminary Quantitative Anatomical Study

Luigino Tosatto, Roberto Manfrellotti, Domenico Gerardo Iacopino, Alessia Tomassini et al.
3 citations
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Meningioma and schwannoma management
4.06
article

Endoscopic Transorbital Approach and Transcranial Approach in Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: A Comparative Qualitative and Preliminary Quantitative Anatomical Study

Luigino Tosatto, Roberto Manfrellotti, Domenico Gerardo Iacopino, Alessia Tomassini, Alberto Di Somma, Roberta Costanzo, Rosario Maugeri, Roberto Tafuto, Alberto Prats‐Galino, Marcello D’Andrea, Jon Kristinn Nielsen, Joaquim Enseñat
article en
3 citations

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) are rare tumors described as benign despite their aggressive, osteodestructive behavior. Their invasive nature makes surgical management complex and often precludes complete excision. Reaching structures within the orbit remains challenging, particularly due to insufficient exposure or overly long surgical pathways. This study aimed to provide a qualitative anatomical description of two approaches-transcranial and endoscopic transorbital-and a preliminary quantitative analysis to assess the distances required to reach the anatomical areas most commonly involved in SOMs. <b>Methods</b>: Anatomical dissections were performed on five specimens (ten sides) at the Laboratory of Surgical Neuroanatomy (LSNA), University of Barcelona. Each specimen underwent pre- and post-dissection CT scans, and all data were organized using the BrainLab<sup>®</sup> Workstation System. <b>Results</b>: Both approaches provided good exposure of structures deeply involved in SOMs. A description of the superior orbital fissure (SOF), inferior orbital fissure (IOF), and optic canal (OC) was achieved from both perspectives. The preliminary quantitative analysis showed significantly shorter distances to key anatomical targets using the endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) compared to the transcranial route. <b>Conclusions</b>: Currently, despite significant advances, the choice of the optimal surgical approach remains debated, reflecting the complexity of balancing tumor control with functional preservation. Both approaches allow for thorough evaluation of the orbital region, offering precise anatomical insights useful for SOM management.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(19)
Aarhus University Hospital (DK), Ospedale Vincenzo Cervello (IT), Ospedale “M. Bufalini” di Cesena (IT), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (ES), Ospedale Sant'Anna (IT), Universitat de Barcelona (ES), University of Palermo (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Meningioma and schwannoma management
4.06
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