[Resection of optic nerve sheath meningioma via transcranio-orbital approach].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of early stage operation for optic nerve sheath meningioma.
Methods: Retrospective study The clinical data of 21 cases of optic nerve sheath meningioma, 6 males and 25 females, aged 39 (12-60), with the chief complaints of loss of vision in 13 eyes (including 6 blind eyes) and proptosis in 8 eyes who underwent resection of the tumors via transcranio-orbital approach were analyzed retrospectively. Radiology showed 15 tumors growing along the optic nerve and enclosing it (flat type), 5 of which showed intracranial invasion; and other 6 of which had the tumors located on one side of optic nerve with spherical shape (nodular type) without intracranial invasion. The patients were followed up for 2-6 years.
Results: Total resection was accomplished in 15 cases, and partial removal in 6 cases. Function of oculomotor nerve was preserved in 17 cases, and function of abducent nerve was preserved in 18 cases, visual function was successfully preserved in the 2 cases of small tumor. Tumor recurred in two cases.
Conclusion: Resection of optic nerve sheath meningioma via transcranio-orbital approach has the advantage of totally removing the tumor and preserving the function of the oculomotor and abducent nerves, preventing tumor from intracranial invasion. Early stage operation is recommended. Visual function may be preserved in the cases of small tumors.