The reason may have been that they tend to grow slowly but considering her age it was likely to grow. Another alternative to monitor or surgery may have been radiation, but again age plays a part. In the end it is supposed to be an informed decision by the patient after exploring all treatments. In this particular case there may have been high risk of leaking CSF with risk of meningitis for example with the new approach used. But we do not have all the details, it's exciting though anytime there is a new approach other than craniotomy developed.