BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to present the findings on growth patterns in a large surgical series of sphenoorbital meningiomas. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 77 patients (61 f) harboring sphenoorbital meningiomas, who underwent surgery between 1991 and 2009. The standard surgical approach consisted of pterional craniotomy and extradural resection of any infiltrated bone. The intradural and orbital tumor was resected, with complete reconstruction of the dura while the lateral bone was partially reconstructed. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 130 months (mean: 57.9 months). RESULTS Total macroscopic resection was achieved in 42 patients. Fifty-eight meningiomas extended to the orbital roof and/or lateral orbital wall, 42 involved the extraconal space, and 11 the intraconal space. Sixty-three tumors involved the superior orbital fissure, 54 the optic canal, and 24 the inferior orbital fissure. Seventeen tumors infiltrated the cavernous sinus and 37 involved the anterior clinoid process. The rate of minor morbidity was 14.3% (slight deficits) and the rate of major morbidity was 4% (significant deficits). Subtotal resections were performed on 35 patients because there was intraorbital tumor (n=8); tumor in the cavernous sinus (n=12); tumor invading the superior orbital fissure (n=12); and tumor of the skull base (n=3). Nine patients underwent postoperative three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, which resulted in stable tumor volume at follow-up in eight patients. Tumor recurrence was identified in ten patients (12.9%) postoperatively (range of follow-up: 10-47 months). CONCLUSIONS The goal of surgery is complete tumor removal without morbidity. Exact analysis of tumor growth and possible involvement of pertinent structures are mandatory in planning the procedure.