Sphenoid wing meningiomas: Surgical strategies and evaluation of prognostic factors influencing clinical outcomes

• We study microsurgical skill and prognostic factors in 53 patients with SWM.
• Univariate and multivariate analysis were made among factors influencing postoperative KPS.
• Extent of tumor removal, tumor blood supply, adhesion, encasement were confirmed.

ObjectiveTo study microsurgical technique and prognostic factors influencing clinical outcomes in a series of 53 patients with sphenoid wing meningiomas (SWMs).Materials and methodsThe clinical materials of 53 patients with sphenoid wing meningiomas treated microsurgically between January 2008 and January 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up period ranged from 6 to 62 months (median, 34 months). Clinical outcomes including postoperative quality of life and recurrence rate were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed among factors that might influence postoperative quality of life.ResultsIn our group, the mean age of patients was 49 years. Mean tumor size was 3.9 cm. Total tumor resection was achieved in 38 cases (71.7%), subtotal in 10 cases (18.9%) and partial resection in 5 cases (9.4%). Within the follow-up period, ten patients (18.9%) had recurrence and three patients (5.7%) died. In univariate analysis, we found the postoperative Karnofshky Performance Score (KPS) improvement was determined by various factors, including extent of tumor resection, peritumoral edema, tumor blood supply, size, adhesion, encasement and preoperative KPS. However, multivariate analysis showed that complete resection, rich blood supply, adhesion to adjacent structure, encasement of neurovascular were independent predictive factors for worse postoperative KPS.ConclusionsWith the improved requirement of postoperative quality of life in patients, intentional incomplete resection should be considered as an acceptable treatment option. Multivariate analysis confirmed that incomplete resection, poor blood supply, lack of adhesion or encasement of adjacent structure were independent predictive factors for favorable postoperative quality of life. An individual treatment strategy could help improved quality of life.