OBJECTIVEThe early experience of treating anterior skull base meningiomas with intra-extracranial extension via pure endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) was presented, the safety, feasibility and preliminary treatment outcomes were investigated.

METHODSEight patients with intra-extradural meningiomas who were admitted from October 2006 to October 2010 were operated on via EEA in one stage in Xuanwu hospital. In this study, the operative technique was described, the degree of resection, complications and the early clinical outcomes were discussed.

RESULTSThe complete resection of meningiomas with intra-extracranial extension was achieved in all patients using EEA in one stage. Preoperative visual symptoms were improved or resolved in all cases who presented with preoperative visual complaints. No patient in our series experienced a new neurological deficit after surgery or recurrence and death related meningiomas in the follow-up period (33-75 months). One patient experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, delayed meningitis and secondary hydrocephalus which responded to therapy. After treatment, the patient was cure.

CONCLUSIONOur limited experience indicates that EEA is feasible and safe for the complete resection of anterior skull base meningiomas with intra- and extracranial extension in one stage in selected cases.