Revision lateral skull base surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe functional and reconstructive results after revision lateral skull base surgery with comparison of benign and malignant lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing revision surgery for benign and malignant lateral skull base tumors. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical resection of recurrent lateral skull base tumors and reconstruction of resulting defects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cranial nerve function postoperative complications. RESULTS: Forty operations for recurrent lateral skull base tumors occurred between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 2003, with follow-up of at least 1 year. Thirty-three operations were for benign lesions, 27 of which were glomus tumors. Seven operations were for malignant tumors. Fifty-eight percent of patients had preoperative cranial nerve deficits (66% of benign tumors and 14% of malignancies). The most common preoperative deficit occurred in the Xth cranial nerve. Postoperative cranial nerve deficits were seen in 95% of patients and multiple nerve deficits were seen in 75%. The most common postoperative deficits were observed in the IXth and Xth cranial nerves. Thirty-one patients had one previous procedure, six had two previous procedures, and three had three previous procedures. Abdominal fat and temporoparietal fascia were the most common reconstruction materials. There was one case of meningitis, two cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and one pseudomeningocele. There was one recurrent adenoid cystic tumor resulting in death and two partially resected glomus tumors. Subsequent procedures are discussed. CONCLUSION: Postoperative cranial deficits are more common after revision skull base surgery than after primary surgery. Complete resection without recurrence can be expected for revision skull base surgery. Modern reconstruction techniques reduce major postoperative complications and morbidity from cranial nerve deficits.     

Peripetrosal arachnoid cysts

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present review summarizes the current theories on arachnoid cyst formation, the common presentations of cysts surrounding or eroding the temporal bone from the middle and posterior cranial fossae, the diagnostic strategies and the management considerations and options. RECENT FINDINGS: Arachnoid cysts are most common in the middle cranial fossa and rarely present in association with the petrous apex. They are frequently found incidentally on imaging studies performed in the workup for unrelated symptoms. When they do cause symptoms, these are usually nonspecific. Thus it is important to establish the relationship between the two. Peripetrosal arachnoid cysts may cause cranial nerve deficits in addition to symptoms related to intracranial hypertension. Small asymptomatic cysts are managed conservatively with serial imaging. Large symptomatic cysts are often managed surgically with shunting, open excision or open or neuroendoscopic fenestration or marsupialization. The management of large asymptomatic cysts depends on the patient and cyst characteristics. SUMMARY: Peripetrosal arachnoid cysts are often incidental findings. Careful selection of surgical candidates is of utmost importance. Multiple surgical options with similar success rates are available. The rates and profile of their complications may differ. Overall, approximately 70% of patients experience improvement in their symptoms with surgery.     

乙状窦前小脑幕上下联合径路的临床应用

目的 :探讨适宜外科治疗桥小脑角区和岩斜区病变的手术途径。方法 :采用乙状窦前小脑幕上下联合径路 ,手术治疗 9例跨越小脑幕上下的桥小脑角、岩尖、岩斜区肿瘤 ,其中神经鞘瘤 3例 ,脑膜瘤 6例 ;1例大脑后动脉血栓性动脉瘤。结果 :病变全切 6例 ,次全切除 4例。术后 1例出现脑脊液漏并发颅内感染并失访。其余9例头痛、头晕症状均明显好转或消失 ;其中 4例术前面瘫患者 ,1例术后稍好转 ,3例无改变 ;3例术前并发小脑症状的患者术后有明显改善 ;术前并发的其他脑神经受累症状术后无好转 ;预后按Samii等标准判定 ,7例恢复好 ,1例预后一般 ,1例预后差。术后听力无改变 5例 ,听力下降 2 0dBHL 2例 ,下降 30dBHL 1例 ,下降 6 0dBHL 1例。结论 :乙状窦前小脑幕上下联合径路术野宽阔、清晰 ,无需过度牵拉脑组织 ,便于切除桥小脑角区、岩斜区占位病变 ,并能较好地保护脑神经功能。     

Surgical management of jugular foramen schwannomas with hearing and facial nerve function preservation: a series of 23 cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: Schwannomas of the jugular foramen are rare lesions and controversy regarding their management still exists. The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze the management and outcome in a series of 23 cases collected at a single center. SETTING: This study was conducted at a quaternary private otology and skull base center. METHODS: Charts belonging to patients with a diagnosis of jugular foramen schwannoma attending our center between May 1988 and April 2006 were examined retrospectively. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 23 patients. One patient (a 73-year-old woman) with normal lower cranial nerves function was managed with watchful expectancy and regular clinical and radiologic follow ups. The infratemporal fossa approach-type A (IFTA-A) was performed in 3 cases. One patient underwent a transcochlear-transjugular approach. Of the 22 patients surgically treated, 12 patients were operated on by the petrooccipital transsigmoid approach (POTS). In one patient with a preoperative dead ear, a combined POTS-translabyrinthine approach was adopted. Two patients were operated on through the POTS approach combined with the transotic approach. In another case (a 67-year-old woman), a subtotal tumor removal through a transcervical approach was planned to resect a 10-cm mass in the neck. One patient underwent a first-stage combined transcervical-subtotal petrosectomy approach to remove a huge tumor in the neck; the second-stage intradural removal of the tumor was accomplished through a translabyrinthine-transsigmoid-transjugular approach. The last patient underwent a first-stage combined transcervical-subtotal petrosectomy approach to remove the neck tumor component; this patient is now waiting for the second-stage intradural removal of the tumor. Complete tumor removal was accomplished in 21 cases and in one case, a residual schwannoma was left in place in the area of the jugular foramen. The 3 patients who were operated on by IFTA-A underwent permanent anterior transposition of the facial nerve. At 1-year follow up, 2 of these patients had House-Brackmann grade I and 1 reached grade IV. The patient who underwent a transcochlear-transjugular approach had a permanent posterior transposition of the facial nerve. At 1-year follow up, he had grade III facial nerve function. Postoperative facial nerve function was normal (House-Brackmann grade I) in all patients operated on by the POTS approach. Twelve patients had hearing-preserving surgery using the POTS approach. Good hearing was preserved in 10 cases (83.3%), the majority of whom (58.3%) maintained their preoperative hearing level. There was no perioperative mortality. One patient (4.5%) experienced a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak. After surgery, all patients did not recover the function of the preoperatively paralyzed lower cranial nerves. A new deficit of one or more of the lower cranial nerves was recorded in 50% of cases. So far, no patient has experienced recurrence during the follow-up period as ascertained by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for jugular foramen schwannomas. The POTS approach allowed single-stage, total tumor removal with preservation of the facial nerve and of the middle and inner ear functions in the majority of cases. Despite the advances in skull base surgery, new postoperative lower cranial nerve deficits still represent a challenge.     

Jugular foramen schwannomas: diagnosis, management, and outcomes

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To describe the presentation, radiographic findings, and surgical management of seven patients who have been diagnosed and treated with jugular foramen schwannomas at the University of Utah. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: The charts of seven patients diagnosed with jugular foramen schwannomas were reviewed for presentation symptoms, radiographic findings, and physical examination findings. For the six who underwent surgical excision, the surgical procedure used, cranial nerve function results, audiometric results, perioperative complications, and other follow-up data are presented. RESULTS: Seven patients were identified from ages 24 to 69 years. Six of the seven underwent surgical excision. Primary presentation symptoms included dizziness, hearing loss, dysphagia, diplopia, tongue paresis, and hoarseness. The choice of surgical approach was based on the size and location of the tumor. All patients had complete excision of their tumors. The nerve of origin included the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and spinal accessory nerves. Preoperative cranial nerve dysfunction continued postoperatively for lower cranial nerves but resolved in patients who were noted to have preoperative dysfunction of cranial nerve V and VI. The rate of new lower cranial nerve injury was 15% and was only seen in the cranial nerves that were determined to be the nerve of origin. In two cases, a temporary feeding tube was required. No recurrences have been noted to date. CONCLUSIONS: Jugular foramen schwannomas can be successfully diagnosed preoperatively with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These tumors can be successfully managed with surgery and low morbidity.     

Surgical management of jugular foramen meningiomas: a series of 13 cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: Primary meningiomas occurring within the jugular foramen are exceedingly rare lesions presumed to originate from arachnoid-lining cells situated within the jugular foramen. The objective of this study is to analyze the management and outcome in a series of 13 primary jugular foramen meningiomas collected at a single center. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Quaternary referral otology and skull base private center. METHODS: Charts belonging to 13 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed jugular foramen meningioma surgically treated between September 1991 and May 2005 were examined retrospectively. The follow-up of the series ranged from 12 to 120 (mean, 42.8 +/- 27.5) months. RESULTS: Four (28.5%) patients underwent single-stage tumor removal through the petro-occipital transigmoid (POTS) approach. In two patients with preoperative unserviceable hearing, a combined POTS-translabyrinthine approach was adopted. Two patients underwent a combined POTS-transotic approach because of massive erosion of the carotid canal. A modified transcochlear approach type D with posterior rerouting of the facial nerve and transection of the sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb was performed in two patients with a huge cerebellopontine angle tumor component with extension to the prepontine cistern together with massive involvement of the petrous bone and middle ear and encasement of the vertical and horizontal segments of the intrapetrous carotid artery. In one patient with evidence of a dominant sinus on the site of the tumor, a subtotal tumor removal via an enlarged translabyrinthine approach (ETLA) was planned to resect the intradural component of the tumor. Two patients in our series underwent a planned staged procedure on account of a huge tumor component in the neck. One of these patients underwent a first-stage infratemporal fossa approach type A to remove the tumor component in the neck; the second-stage intradural removal of the tumor was accomplished via an ETLA. The last patient underwent a first-stage modified transcochlear type D approach to remove the intradural tumor component followed by a second-stage transcervical procedure for removal of the extracranial component. Gross total tumor removal (Simpson grade I-II) was achieved in 11 (84.6%) cases. Subtotal removal of the tumor was accomplished in two patients. Good facial nerve function (grades I and II) was achieved in 46.1% of cases, whereas acceptable function (grade III) was achieved in the remaining cases 1 year after tumor removal. Hearing was preserved at the preoperative level in all four patients who underwent surgery via the POTS approach. After surgery, no patient recovered function of the preoperatively paralyzed lower cranial nerves. A new deficit of one or more of the lower cranial nerves was recorded in 61.5% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for jugular foramen meningiomas. Among the various surgical techniques proposed for dealing with these lesions, we prefer the POTS approach alone or combined with the translabyrinthine or transotic approaches. Despite the advances in skull base surgery, new postoperative lower cranial nerve deficits still represent a challenge.     

A systematic approach to the surgical management of acoustic neuroma

Contemporary otomicrosurgical techniques have made total removal of acoustic tumor with preservation of the seventh and sometimes the eighth cranial nerves possible. The four approaches currently used in acoustic tumor surgery are the middle cranial fossa, the translabyrinthine, the suboccipital, and the combined translabyrinthine-suboccipital. This review examines the surgical results in the removal of more than 600 acoustic tumors and outlines a rationale for the choice of approach. Tumor size on computed tomographic scan and auditory reserve establish the parameters used in planning the surgical procedure. The translabyrinthine exposure is used most frequently followed by the combined translabyrinthine-suboccipital. The middle fossa and suboccipital approaches are used when preservation of hearing is attempted. Total removal of tumor was accomplished in more than 99% of patients with a mortality rate of less than 1%. Anatomic preservation of the facial nerve, which is directly related to tumor size, was achieved in more than 80% of patients. Preservation of hearing is unlikely when the tumor is larger than 2 cm; anatomic preservation of the cochlear nerve was successful in 73% of hearing preservation procedures.     

Acoustic Tumor Surgery and Tinnitus

A total of 311 patients with a unilateral acoustic neurinoma were operated on via the enlarged middle cranial fossa approach. A total tumor removal was achieved in 98% of cases. The mortality was 0.6%. Overall in acoustic neurinoma surgery, the percentage rates of meningitis (1.6%), cerebrospinal fluid fistula (1.6% requiring surgery), and neurological deficits were fairly low. The facial nerve could be preserved anatomically in 99%. A House I or House II classification was demonstrated in 91% of all tumors and in 98% of small- and medium-sized tumors. Preservation of the hearing function was possible in 49% of all patients (71% in small tumors). A positive effect on tinnitus usually occurred in 45% of cases. The enlarged middle cranial fossa approach allows function-preserving surgery of the cranial nerves (e.g., the facial and cochlear nerves) and cerebral structures, even including total removal of large acoustic neurinomas of up to 3-4 cm.     

Long-term results of surgery for temporal bone paragangliomas

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the long-term results of surgery for temporal bone paragangliomas with special consideration of the patient's ability to cope with the functional deficits. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of 36 patients who had undergone resection of a temporal bone paraganglioma 10 to 15 years previously. Assessment of the patients' subjective view of the functional outcome and quality of life by a questionnaire. METHODS: Clinical records were reviewed regarding size of tumor, technique of surgery, supportive therapy, and tumor recurrence. Patients were sent a 50-item questionnaire evaluating their quality of life and the preoperative and postoperative function of cranial nerves VII through XII. RESULTS: A complete tumor removal was achieved in 30 patients (83%). There was only one tumor recurrence. The major negative effects of surgery involved hearing and dysphagia, which deterioriated in 14 and 12 patients, respectively. Thirty-five of the 36 patients (97%) reported that, despite deterioration, the cranial nerve deficits were still acceptable. Seventy-five percent of the patients regained their preoperative quality of life and 97% returned to their previous occupation in 1 to 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: The otologic extradural approach allowed complete tumor removal in 83%, with minimal perioperative morbidity. No surgically induced central nervous system lesions occured. Tracheostomy was avoided and all patients resumed oral feeding. Full rehabilitation after removal of class C and CD paragangliomas may take 1 to 2 years. However, the fact that 97% of the patients finally resumed normal social life showed the ability of most patients to cope with the sequelae of surgery even in class C and CD paragangliomas.     

Clinical Presentation and Management of Jugular Foramen Paraganglioma

Objectives

Jugular foramen paraganglioma is a locally invasive, benign tumor, which grow slowly and causes various symptoms such as pulsatile tinnitus and low cranial nerve palsy. Complete surgical resection is regarded as the ideal management of these tumors. The goal of this study is to identify the clinical characteristics and most effective surgical approach for jugular foramen paraganglioma.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 9 jugular foramen paraganglioma patients who underwent surgical resection between 1986 and 2005 was performed. Clinical records were reviewed for analysis of initial clinical symptoms and signs, audiological examinations, neurological deficits, radiological features, surgical approaches, extent of resection, treatment outcomes and complications.

Results

Most common initial symptom was hoarseness, followed by pulsatile tinnitus. Seven out of 9 patients had at least one low cranial nerve palsy. Seven patients were classified as Fisch Type C tumor and remaining 2 as Fisch Type D tumor on radiologic examination. Total of 11 operations took place in 9 patients. Total resection was achieved in 6 cases, when partial resection was done in 3 cases. Two patients with partial resection received gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS), when remaining 1 case received both GKS and two times of revision operation. No mortality was encountered and there were few postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Neurologic examination of low cranial nerve palsy is crucial since most patients had at least one low cranial nerve palsy. All tumors were detected in advanced stage due to slow growing nature and lack of symptom. Angiography with embolization is crucial for successful tumor removal without massive bleeding. Infratemporal fossa approach can be considered as a safe, satisfactory approach for removal of jugular foramen paragangliomas. In tumors with intracranial extension, combined approach is recommended in that it provides better surgical view and can maintain the compliance of the patients.     

Surgical management of vestibular schwannoma in elderly patients

This study aimed to evaluate surgical results of vestibular schwannoma in elderly patients using a retrospective study in a Quaternary Neurotology and Skull Base Referral Center setting. The data of 232 elderly patients (above 65 years) operated on for vestibular schwannoma in the period between April 1987 and July 2009 were reviewed. Most patients were operated on via translabyrinthine approach (TLA) using transapical extension for large tumors. Other approaches used were retrosigmoid, middle cranial fossa, and transcochlear. Total tumor removal was achieved in the majority of cases, while planned subtotal removal was used in specific occasions. Postoperative complications included facial nerve palsy, other cranial nerves injury, persistent instability, intracranial hemorrhage, CSF leak, meningitis, and death. Patients were followed after surgery for tumor regrowth or occurrence of complications. The results showed low rate of morbidity and mortality. Despite that complete removal is the main target of the surgery; adoption of subtotal removal in selected cases can improve postoperative facial nerve results and reduce the duration of surgery.     

颈静脉孔区肿瘤术后后组脑神经损伤的评估和处理

目的：分析颈静脉孔区肿瘤术后后组脑神经损伤情况及其处理,以提高对后组脑神经损伤的认识并改进处理方法。方法：32例颈静脉孔区肿瘤患者中,颈静脉球体瘤12例,后组脑神经鞘膜瘤10例,脑膜瘤3例,胆脂瘤1例,颞骨巨细胞瘤2例,纤维瘤病1例,黏液软骨肉瘤1例,胚胎型横纹肌肉瘤1例,腺样囊性癌1例。均采取手术治疗,30例全切,1例近全切,1例大部切除。结果：除1例术后并发颅内出血死亡外,其余31例术后随访1-6年。术后后组脑神经功能仍正常者5例,新出现神经功能损伤者8例,原有神经功能损伤者18例术后出现不同程度的损伤加剧表现。手术前后行气管切开者8例,其中3例出院前拔管,5例带管出院。出院时后组脑神经损伤代偿者20例,失代偿者6例。失代偿者术后随访中3例代偿,2例部分代偿,1例未代偿。结论：颈静脉孔区肿瘤术后后组脑神经损伤是常见并发症,术前应根据患者年龄、神经功能等综合评估,术中应尽量保全神经,早期积极正确的功能锻炼是术后处理的关键。     

Posterior petrous face meningiomas: an algorithm for surgical management.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to report our surgical strategy in the management of 81 patients with posterior petrous face meningiomas. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: This study was conducted at a quaternary private otology and cranial base center. PATIENTS: Of 139 patients with posterior fossa meningioma, 81 occurred on the posterior petrous face of the temporal bone and were the object of this study. INTERVENTIONS: Thirty-one patients were approached by the enlarged translabyrinthine approach. The enlarged translabyrinthine approach with transapical extension Type II was performedin 29 patients. The combined retrosigmoid-retrolabyrinthine approach was chosen in 8 cases. The modified transcochlear approach Type A with permanent posterior transposition of the facial nerve (FN) was performed in 6 patients. Two patients underwent a retrolabyrinthine subtemporal transapical approach. One patient underwent a transpetrous middle cranial fossa approach. Four patients with intracanalicular meningiomas were operated on through the enlarged middle cranial fossa approach. RESULTS: Total removal of the tumor (Simpson Grades I and II) was achieved in most patients (92.5%). The FN was anatomically preserved in 79 of the 81 (97.5%) patients. Five patients had less than 1 year follow-up, and 2 patients were lost to follow-up and were excluded in evaluation of the final FN outcome. At 1-year follow-up, 46 patients (63%) had Grade I to II, 19 (26%) had Grade III, 4 (5.4%) had Grade IV, 1 (1.3%) had Grade V, and 3 (4.1%) had Grade VI. Hearing-preserving surgery was attempted in 15 patients (18.5%) with preoperative serviceable hearing. Of these 15 patients, 11 had their hearing preserved at the same preoperative level, and 4 experienced postoperative deafness. Postoperatively, a new deficit of 1 or more of the lower cranial nerves was recorded in 3 patients. One patient experienced subcutaneous cerebrospinal fluid collection that required surgical management. CONCLUSION: Total tumor removal (Simpson Grades I-II) remains our treatment of choice and takes priority over hearing preservation. Subtotal resection is indicated for older and debilitated patients with giant lesions to relieve the tumor compression on the cerebellum and brainstem. Subtotal removal is also preferred in the face of the absence of a plane of cleavage between the tumor and the brainstem, in the presence of encasement of vital neurovascular structures, in elderly patients with tumors adherent to preoperatively normal facial or lower cranial nerves.     

颈静脉孔神经鞘瘤的外科治疗

目的 探讨颈静脉孔神经鞘瘤的手术入路及治疗效果。方法 回顾性分析采用显微外科手术治疗颈静脉孔神经鞘瘤２４例,其中颅内型（Ａ型）：肿瘤主体位于桥小脑角（１２例）;骨内型（Ｂ型）：肿瘤主体位于颈静脉孔内,向颅内生长（５例）;颅外型（Ｃ型）：肿瘤主体位于颅外,并向颈静脉孔生长（１例）;混合型（Ｄ型）：肿瘤由颈静脉孔向颅内外生长,呈哑铃型（６例）。Ａ型采用枕下乙状窦后入路,Ｂ型采用远外侧入路,Ｃ型和Ｄ型采     

Transjugular craniotomy for the management of jugular foramen tumors with intracranial extension.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate indications and outcomes with the transjugular craniotomy for resection of jugular foramen tumors with intracranial extension. The transjugular approach is a lateral craniotomy conducted through a partial petrosectomy traversing the jugular fossa combined with resection of the sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb, which often have been occluded by disease. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: Twenty-eight patients with intracranial jugular foramen tumors who underwent a total of 30 surgical procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pathologic findings, surgical approach, extent of tumor resection, rate of facial nerve mobilization and ear canal closure, facial and lower cranial nerve outcomes, and hearing preservation. RESULTS: Tumors included schwannoma (37%), meningioma (33%), glomus jugulare (23%), and chordoma (7%). The surgical approaches were tailored to maximize functional preservation, and included the transjugular (53%), translabyrinthine (17%), retrosigmoid (10%), and far lateral (7%) craniotomies. Translabyrinthine (3%) or transcondylarfar lateral (3%) approaches were occasionally used in combination with the trans-jugular approach. Most procedures were managed in a single stage (90%), but three patients with massive tumor in the neck required two stages. Microsurgical gross total and near-total tumor removal (37% each) were commonly achieved, although subtotal resections (27%) were occasionally performed. In only a minority of cases was facial nerve mobilization (7%) or ear canal closure (21%) required. If present preoperatively, Grade I facial nerve function was usually maintained (22 of 24 [92%]) and Hearing Class A or B could always be maintained (9 of 9 [100%]). As expected, new lower cranial nerve dysfunction was common (8 of 30 [27%]), although over half of the patients had complete lower nerve palsy preoperatively (16 of 30 [53%]). CONCLUSION: Most patients with jugular foramen tumors with intracranial extension can be managed with a single-stage transjugular craniotomy. Facial nerve mobilization or ear canal closure is usually not required, permitting conservation of facial function and hearing, when present preoperatively.     

Preoperative versus postoperative role of vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in cerebellopontine angle tumor

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) examination was performed on patients with a cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor to evaluate its clinical role. METHODS: Patients with a CPA tumor were subjected to caloric test and VEMP examination. Follow-up study was performed 1 year after the surgery. RESULTS: Six (69%) of the 9 tumors did not exhibit either caloric response or VEMP on the lesioned side. Three patients received tumor excision and all tumors involved both the superior and inferior vestibular nerves. Two (22%) of the 9 tumors had normal caloric responses but no VEMP. One underwent surgical excision, and the tumor originated from the inferior vestibular nerve. In the follow-up study, only 1 patient with epidermoid cyst presented complete recovery of caloric response and VEMP, whereas in the other 3 patients with vestibular schwannoma, the responses were all absent persistently. CONCLUSION: Before surgery, VEMP test can be used to predict the nerve of origin and to formulate the best surgical approach. After surgery, VEMP test can be used to define the nature of the tumor (compressing or infiltrating the nerve) and disclose the residual function of the inferior vestibular nerve.     

Approach design and closure techniques to minimize cerebrospinal fluid leak after cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to identify specific aspects of surgical approach design and closure technique aimed at reducing the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak after cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery at the study institution from January 1996 through September 2004. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The presence or absence of cerebrospinal fluid leak after various surgical approaches for a wide variety of cerebellopontine angle tumors. RESULTS: Three hundred forty three patients underwent surgery for cerebellopontine angle tumors at the study institution during the study period. Tumor types in descending order of frequency were as follows: acoustic neuroma, 244; cerebellopontine angle meningiomas, 33; petroclival meningiomas, 32; foramen magnum meningiomas, 10; epidermoid tumors, 9; facial nerve tumors, 6; hemangiopericytomas, 3; schwannomas of glossopharyngeal/spinal accessory nerves, 3; and unusual internal auditory canal tumors, 3. Surgical approaches used for tumor resection included translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, combined transpetrosal, far lateral/transcondylar, middle cranial fossa, and extended middle cranial fossa. During the nearly 8-year study period, four postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks were encountered, resulting in a leak rate of 1.2%. Two of these patients required surgical repair of their leaks; the other two stopped spontaneously. The authors describe specific aspects of approach design and closure that appear to have a positive impact on postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak rates. CONCLUSION: Attention to specific aspects of surgical approach design and wound closure results in a reduced incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak after surgery for cerebellopontine angle tumors.     

Microdebrider cavitation and transcervical removal of parapharyngeal schwannomas approaching the skull base

Removal of parapharyngeal space (PPS) schwannomas approaching the skull base through a purely transcervical approach requires adequate visualization of the surgical field to obtain complete resection with minimal sequelae. This is a retrospective series of four patients undergoing transcervical removal of sympathetic chain PPS schwannomas abutting the skull base by an intracapsular microdebrider tumor cavitation. Radiologic data, complications, functional outcomes, and follow-up status were considered. MRI was suggestive of PPS schwannoma in all cases, and correctly predicted the nerve of origin in three out of four cases. All patients developed postoperative Claude Bernard–Horner and first-bite syndromes. One patient also presented temporary neuropraxia of the IX cranial nerve, and another of the IX and X cranial nerves. Microdebrider cavitation of sympathetic chain PPS schwannoma abutting the skull base proved to be a reliable technique allowing good visualization of adjacent neural and vascular structures through a purely transcervical approach, while maintaining a low complication rate.     

侧颅底疾病的外科治疗及颅底重建（附20例报告）

目的探讨侧颅底疾变的外科治疗和体会。方法回顾性分析20例侧颅底疾病患者的临床资料,其中颞骨占位性病变破坏内听道、颈静脉孔区等占位病变与颅内沟通者1 1例,采取经迷路、乳突腔引流以及经乳突切除肿瘤手术;中耳炎性疾病破坏鼓室、鼓窦天盖与颅内沟通者2例,采取扩大乳突根治手术;外伤与畸形造成侧颅底骨质破坏,脑脊液耳漏、鼻漏7例,采取经迷路、乳突修补手术。结果其中颞骨占位性听神经瘤3例、面神经肿瘤3例、静脉孔区胆固醇肉芽肿1例、原发于颞骨的胆脂瘤4例,肿瘤均完全切除;中耳胆脂瘤2例,乳突根治术后无复发;Mondini畸形合并内听道底骨质缺损导致耳漏2例、颞骨骨折致耳漏5例,术后脑脊液漏消失。重要的神经、血管、位听器官以及颅底和颅脑组织得到保护或重建。结论外科手术是治疗侧颅底疾病的主要方法,术中应注意保护重要的血管、神经、位听器官以及颅底、颅脑组织。     

内听道海绵状血管瘤的临床资料分析

摘要：目的探讨内听道海绵状血管瘤的诊断和治疗方法。方法回顾性分析2006年1月~2013年12月6例内听道海绵状血管瘤患者的临床资料,对患者的临床表现、影像学表现、手术方法及效果进行分析。6例患者均进行了CT与MRI检查,其中5例患者伴有面神经功能障碍,对此5例患者进行了手术治疗,对1例面神经功能正常的患者采取严密随访策略。结果6例患者术前均出现了听力下降与耳鸣,其中5例手术患者病理确诊为内听道海绵状血管瘤。手术径路包括4例迷路径路与1例颅中窝径路,术中发现肿瘤与面神经和（或）前庭蜗神经粘连,难以分离,其中3例由于肿瘤无法与面神经分离行面神经切除重建术,2例患者面神经解剖保留。术后5例患者患侧听力均丧失,术后1年行MRI复查肿瘤无残留,面神经功能均有不同程度提高。随访患者行MRI检查示肿瘤未生长。结论内听道海绵状血管瘤术前可以根据临床表现与特征性影像学表现作出诊断;相较于内听道其他常见肿瘤,海绵状血管瘤更易侵犯神经,因此手术时机的选择应更加积极;迷路径路相较于乙状窦后径路或颅中窝径路在处理内听道海绵状血管瘤上有优势,比较容易进行面神经定位与重建。