Abstract
Background and Study Objective Several surgical approaches have been previously reported for the treatment of olfactory
groove meningiomas (OGM).
The trans-frontal-sinus subcranial approach (TFSSA) for the removal of large OGMs
is described, comparing it with other reported approaches in terms of advantages and
drawbacks.
Material and Methods The TFSSA was performed on cadaveric specimens to illustrate the surgical technique.
Results The surgical steps of the TFSSA and the related anatomical pictures are reported.
The approach was adopted in a clinical setting; a case illustration is reported to
demonstrate the feasibility of the described approach and to provide intraoperative
pictures.
Conclusion The TFSSA represents a possible route to treat large OGMs. The subcranial approach
provides early devascularization of the tumor, direct tumor access from the base without
traction on the frontal lobes, good overview of dissection of the optic nerves and
anterior cerebral arteries, and dural reconstruction with pedicled pericranial flap.
Keywords
olfactory groove meningiomas - anterior cranial base - skull base approaches - surgical
technique - anatomical study