[Surgical treatment of trigeminal neurinomas].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the best surgical approach to remove of trigeminal neurinomas (TNs).

METHODS

75 patients with TNs in Huashan Hospital were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

In early group (1978 - 1984) conventional intradural approaches were used, and in late group (1985 - 1995) an epidural approach via the skull-base craniotomy was utilized. Total removal of was achieved in 58% (20/35) in the early group and 80% (32/40) (P < 0.05) in the late group. Temporary or permanent cranial nerves morbidities were 62.7%, 37% in the early group and 28.1%, 10% (P < 0.01) in the late group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The best surgical approach with microsurgical technique for removal of TNs is epidural approach or epiduro-transduro-transtentorial approach via a skull-base craniotomy except the tumor only confined to the posterior fossa.