Supracerebellar “Flyover” Approach to Dumbbell Falcotentorial Meningioma Encasing the Galenic Venous System

• Published in: World neurosurgery Vol. 181; p. 1
• Main Authors: Luzzi, Sabino, Giotta Lucifero, Alice, Almefty, Kaith K., Almefty, Rami O., Kadri, Paulo A.S., Al-Mefty, Ossama
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-01-2024
• Subjects: Falcotentorial meningiomas; Infratentorial approach; Rosenthal vein; Supracerebellar approach; Vein of galen; Vein of galen; Rosenthal vein; Infratentorial approach; Falcotentorial meningiomas; Supracerebellar approach
• ISSN: 1878-8750; 1878-8769; 1878-8769
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.09.105

Falcotentorial meningiomas involve the tentorial apex and straight sinus, posing challenges when encasing the galenic venous system.1 Microneurosurgery is considered the best treatment option for large falcotentorial meningiomas because it provides a definitive cure.2 In contrast, Gamma Knife surgery mainly allows the control of smaller or residual tumors after microsurgical resection.3 Approach selection between interhemispheric supratentorial versa supracerebellar transtentorial is dictated by the displacement of the Galen vein.1,4-8Video 1 describes the critical surgical steps of the supracerebellar “flyover” approach for a Bassiouni type II dumbbell falcotentorial meningiomas encasing the galenic venous system. Preoperative embolization was ruled out due to potential additional morbidity and mortality risks.9,10 A perimedian supracerebellar infratentorial transtentorial approach was performed with the patient in ¾ prone Concorde position. After early devascularization and division of the tentorium, the meningioma was internally debulked while preserving the arachnoid plane. The posterior choroidal arteries, internal cerebral veins, basal veins of Rosenthal, and vein of Galen were carefully dissected, and the tumor was completely resected. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 with no deficits. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a Simpson grade 1 resection. Pathology revealed a grade 2 meningioma. The patient remained asymptomatic with no recurrence at a 10-year follow-up. The reported case demonstrates that the most critical factor in the choice of approach to midline dumbbell falcotentorial meningiomas is the relationship of the tumor to the galenic venous system and its tributaries.