[Microsurgical treatment of trigeminel neurinomas with middle fossa extradural approach].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the curative effect of microsurgical treatment of 15 cases of trigeminel neurinomas with middle fossa extradural approach.

METHODS

The clinical materials included the main clinical manifestations, preoperative CT and MRI features, operative techniques, and the outcome of 15 patients with trigeminel neurinomas were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Total resection was achieved in 12 of the 15 patients and subtotal resection in the other 3 patients. Ninety-four percent of the cranial nerve deficit was improved or unchanged, and only 6% of cranial nerve palsy worsened, postoperatively. None of the patients had new cranial nerve deficit after the operation, and there was not operative mortality. Twelve patients were followed up for 2-40 months and no recurrence of tumors was found.

CONCLUSION

This approach may be ideal for removing big trigeminal neurinomas safely and radically and can decrease the postoperative complication and mortality.