A Decade Later: Karen's Journey After Minimally Invasive Meningioma Surgery

When Karen began experiencing overwhelming fatigue, weight gain, and a loss of interest in the things she loved, she never imagined the cause would be a brain tumor.

What seemed like a gradual change in her energy and mood turned out to be something far more serious—a 7-centimeter olfactory groove meningioma, a slow-growing brain tumor located at the base of the skull.

Facing the prospect of brain surgery was daunting. Karen sought care from Raymond Sekula, MD, Director of the Columbia Neurosurgery Cranial Nerve and Brainstem Disorders Center, who offered an innovative, minimally invasive approach that would allow the tumor to be removed through a tiny incision hidden within her eyebrow.

A Less Invasive Approach to Brain Tumor Surgery

Traditionally, tumors of this size often require a large craniotomy involving an extensive incision across the scalp or, in some cases, an endoscopic endonasal approach through the nose.

Instead, Dr. Sekula performed a minimally invasive supraorbital craniotomy, often referred to as the "eyebrow approach." Through an incision concealed within Karen's eyebrow, he created an opening in the skull approximately the size of a nickel to safely access and remove the tumor.

The minimally invasive technique helped reduce surgical trauma while providing excellent access to the tumor.

A Remarkable Recovery

Karen's recovery reflected the benefits of this advanced surgical approach.

She did not require care in the intensive care unit following surgery and was able to return home just two days after her operation.

Over the following months, the changes were dramatic. Within six months, Karen had lost the weight she had gained before surgery, regained her energy, and returned to the person she had been before her symptoms began.

More than a decade later, her outcome continues to demonstrate the lasting impact of expert surgical care.

Celebrating Ten Years

Ten years after her surgery in 2014, Karen returned to Columbia Neurosurgery for a follow-up visit with Dr. Sekula—a milestone celebrating a decade of health and recovery.

Reflecting on her experience, Karen shared:

I had a wonderful follow-up visit with Dr. Sekula. He was able to spend time with me explaining more about my surgery and what made it unique. He has been a wonderful and supportive care provider.

What Is an Olfactory Groove Meningioma?

An olfactory groove meningioma is a typically benign tumor that develops near the front of the skull base. Because these tumors grow slowly, symptoms may develop gradually and can include changes in personality, fatigue, loss of smell, headaches, weight changes, memory problems, or vision changes.

At Columbia Neurosurgery, many skull base tumors can be treated using advanced minimally invasive techniques that may reduce recovery time, minimize pain, and improve cosmetic outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of surgical care.