scholarly journals How I Do It: The Role of Flexible Hand-held 2μ-Thulium Laser Fiber in Microsurgical Removal of Acoustic Neuromas

2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (04) ◽  
pp. 301-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guglielmo Cacciotti ◽  
Raffaele Roperto ◽  
Maria Tonelli ◽  
Ettore Carpineta ◽  
Luciano Mastronardi
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Matched Pair ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Acoustic Neuromas ◽  
Laser Fiber ◽  
Laser Focusing ◽  
Preservation Rate

Aims We performed a retrospective nonrandomized study to analyze the results of microsurgery of acoustic neuromas (AN) using 2μ-thulium flexible hand-held laser fiber (Revolix jr). Methods From September 2010 to September 2015, 89 patients suffering from AN have been operated on with microsurgical technique via retrosigmoid approach. In 37 cases, tumor resection was performed with the assistance of 2μ-thulium flexible hand-held laser fiber (L-group). Eight cases operated on with the assistance of CO2 hand-held flexible laser fiber were excluded from this study. A total of 44 patients, operated on without laser assistance during the same period, were used as comparison group (C-group) (matched pair technique). Facial nerve function was assessed with the House–Brackmann (HB) scale preoperatively, and 1 week and 6 months postoperatively. Results Overall time from incision to skin suture changed in relation to size of tumor (165–575 minutes) and was not affected by the use of laser. In 7 out of 81 cases, a preoperative facial nerve palsy HB2 and in 1 case, HB4 (permanent) were observed. In the remaining 80 cases, at 6-month follow-up, facial nerve preservation rate (HB1) was 92.5%. Hearing preservation rate (AAO-HNS A/B classes) was 68.2% (26 out of 36). Adopting a 0 to 3 scale, the mean surgeon satisfaction rate of usefulness of laser fiber was 2.7. Conclusion The use of 2μ-thulium hand-held flexible laser fiber in AN microsurgery seems to be safe and subjectively facilitates tumor resection especially in “difficult” conditions (e.g., highly vascularized and hard tumors). In this limited retrospective trial, the good functional outcome following conventional microsurgery had not further improved, nor the surgical time reduced by laser. Focusing its use on “difficult” (large and vascularized) cases may lead to different results in future.

scholarly journals Retractorless translabyrinthine approach for resection of a large acoustic neuroma: operative video and technical nuances

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (v1supplement) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
James K. Liu ◽  
Robert W. Jyung
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Acoustic Neuroma ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Fat Graft ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽  
Dural Defect ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Facial Nerve Preservation ◽  
Translabyrinthine Approach ◽  
Acoustic Neuromas

Large acoustic neuromas, greater than 3 cm, can be technically challenging tumors to remove because of their intimate relationship with the brainstem and surrounding cranial nerves. Successful tumor resection involves functional preservation of the facial nerve and neurovascular structures. The translabyrinthine approach is useful for surgical resection of acoustic neuromas of various sizes in patients with poor preoperative hearing. The presigmoid surgical corridor allows direct exposure of the tumor in the cerebellopontine angle without any fixed cerebellar retraction. Early identification of the facial nerve at the fundus facilitates facial nerve preservation. Large acoustic tumors can be readily removed with a retractorless translabyrinthine approach using dynamic mobilization of the sigmoid sinus. In this operative video atlas report, the authors demonstrate their operative nuances for resection of a large acoustic neuroma via a translabyrinthine approach using a retractorless technique. Facial nerve preservation is achieved by maintaining a plane of dissection between the tumor capsule and the tumor arachnoid so that a layer of arachnoid protects the blood supply to the facial nerve. Multilayered closure is achieved with a fascial sling technique in which an autologous fascia lata graft is sutured to the dural defect to suspend the fat graft in the mastoidectomy defect. We describe the step-by-step technique and illustrate the operative nuances and surgical pearls to safely and efficiently perform the retractorless translabyrinthine approach, tumor resection, facial nerve preservation, and multi-layered reconstruction of the skull base dural defect to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage.The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/ros98UxqVMw.

766 Endoscopic Surgery for Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: A Systematic Review of Surgical Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Chiuta ◽  
S Raza-Knight ◽  
A Alalade
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Extent Of Resection ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Resection Rate ◽  
Eighth Cranial Nerve ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Microsurgical Resection ◽  
Hearing Outcomes ◽  
Series Report

Abstract Introduction Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign intracranial tumours originating from the vestibular division of the eighth cranial nerve. The mainstay of their surgical management is microsurgery, other options are radiotherapy or radiological monitoring. Endoscopy (ES) is becoming widely used in neurosurgery and may have a role in improving visualisation and outcomes by enhancing extent of resection, facial nerve, and hearing preservation in VS resection and describe the postoperative outcomes. Method The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and yielded 31 studies for inclusion. Systematic searches of literature databases were done for studies where endoscopic-assisted and/or endoscopic resection of VS were reported. Results ES facial nerve preservation rates (median 91.3%, range 39.0 - 100%) were comparable to microsurgical treatment. Hearing outcomes were more variable in ES series and were under-reported. A median gross total resection rate of 97.4% (61.0 - 100%) was achieved in the ES series. Conclusions Current data suggest that ES-assisted resection of sporadic VS is not inferior to microsurgical resection with respect to facial nerve outcomes and extent of resection. However, some ES series report poor hearing outcomes, which are under-reported in the literature.

Preoperative identification of the facial nerve in patients with large cerebellopontine angle tumors using high-density diffusion tensor imaging

2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 697-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Roundy ◽  
Johnny B. Delashaw ◽  
Justin S. Cetas
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
High Density ◽  
Imaging Method ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Imaging Results

Object Facial nerve paresis can be a devastating complication following resection of large (> 2.5 cm) cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. The authors have developed and used a new high-density diffusion tensor imaging (HD-DT imaging) method, aimed at preoperatively identifying the location and course of the facial nerve in relation to large CPA tumors. Their study objective was to preoperatively identify the facial nerve in patients with large CPA tumors and compare their HD-DT imaging method with a traditional standard DT imaging method and correlate with intraoperative findings. Methods The authors prospectively studied 5 patients with large (> 2.5 cm) CPA tumors. All patients underwent preoperative traditional standard- and HD-DT imaging. Imaging results were correlated with intraoperative findings. Results Utilizing their HD-DT imaging method, the authors positively identified the location and course of the facial nerve in all patients. In contrast, using a standard DT imaging method, the authors were unable to identify the facial nerve in 4 of the 5 patients. Conclusions The HD-DT imaging method that the authors describe and use has proven to be a powerful, accurate, and rapid method for preoperatively identifying the facial nerve in relation to large CPA tumors. Routine integration of HD-DT imaging in preoperative planning for CPA tumor resection could lead to improved facial nerve preservation.

Radiosurgery for Acoustic Neuromas: Results of Low-dose Treatment

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiyasu Iwai ◽  
Kazuhiro Yamanaka ◽  
Masato Shiotani ◽  
Taichi Uyama
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Growth Control ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Trigeminal Neuropathy ◽  
Tumor Margin ◽  
Acoustic Neuromas

Abstract OBJECTIVE The results of radiosurgical treatment of acoustic neuromas have improved by reducing the tumor marginal doses. We report relatively long-term follow-up results (>5 yr) for patients who underwent low-dose radiosurgery. METHODS We treated and followed 51 consecutive patients with unilateral acoustic neuromas who were treated from January 1994 to December 1996 by gamma knife radiosurgery at low doses (≤12 Gy to the tumor margin). The average age of the patients was 55 years (range, 32–76 yr). The treatment volume was 0.7 to 24.9 cm3 (median, 3.6 cm3). The marginal radiation dose was 8 to 12 Gy (median, 12 Gy), and the follow-up period ranged from 18 to 96 months (median, 60 mo). RESULTS Clinical tumor growth control (without tumor resection) was achieved in 96% of patients, and the 5-year tumor growth control rate was 92%. Hearing was preserved in 59% of those with preradiosurgical hearing preservation (Gardner-Robertson Classes 1–4), and improvements (>20 dB of improvement) were noted in 9% of the patients with any hearing. Hearing was preserved at a useful level (Gardner-Robertson Classes 1 and 2) in 56% of patients. Although preexisting trigeminal neuropathy worsened in 4% of the patients, our patients did not experience new facial palsies or trigeminal neuropathies after radiosurgery. Facial spasm occurred in 6% of the patients, and intratumoral bleeding occurred in 4% of patients. CONCLUSION Low-dose radiosurgery (≤12 Gy at the tumor margin) can achieve a high tumor growth control rate and maintain low postradiosurgical morbidity (including hearing preservation) for acoustic neuromas.

Conservative versus Primary Surgical Treatment of Acoustic Neuromas: A Comparison of Rates of Facial Nerve and Hearing Preservation

Skull Base ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (S 01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Martin ◽  
Konstance Tzifa ◽  
Caroline Kowalski ◽  
Roger Holder ◽  
Richard Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Acoustic Neuromas

scholarly journals Retrosigmoid Transmeatal Approach for Resection of Acoustic Neuroma: Operative Video and Technical Nuances of Subperineural Dissection for Facial Nerve Preservation

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (S 03) ◽  
pp. S269-S270
Author(s):  
James K. Liu ◽  
Vincent N. Dodson ◽  
Robert W. Jyung
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Acoustic Neuroma ◽  
Protective Layer ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Tumor Removal ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Tumor Capsule ◽  
Acoustic Neuromas ◽  
Dissection Technique

The retrosigmoid (suboccipital) approach is the workhorse for most acoustic neuromas in the cerebellopontine angle. In this operative video atlas manuscript, the authors demonstrate the nuances of the subperineural dissection technique for microsurgical resection of an acoustic neuroma via the retrosigmoid transmeatal approach. The plane is developed by separating the perineurium of the vestibular nerve away from the tumor capsule. This perineurium provides a protective layer between the tumor capsule and the facial nerve which serves as a buffer to avoid direct dissection and potential trauma to the facial nerve. Using this technique during extracapsular tumor dissection helps to maximize the extent of tumor removal while preserving facial nerve function. A gross total resection of the tumor was achieved, and the patient exhibited normal facial nerve function (Fig. 1). In summary, the retrosigmoid transmeatal approach with the use of subperineural dissection are important strategies in the armamentarium for surgical management of acoustic neuromas with the goal of maximizing tumor removal and preserving facial nerve function (Fig. 2).The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/L3lPtSvJt60.

scholarly journals Translabyrinthine Approach for Resection of Large Cystic Acoustic Neuroma: Operative Video and Technical Nuances of Subperineural Dissection for Facial Nerve Preservation

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (S 03) ◽  
pp. S267-S268
Author(s):  
James K. Liu ◽  
Vincent N. Dodson ◽  
Robert W. Jyung
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Acoustic Neuroma ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Translabyrinthine Approach ◽  
Acoustic Neuromas ◽  
Extracapsular Dissection ◽  
Cerebellar Retraction

The translabyrinthine approach is advantageous for the resection of large acoustic neuromas compressing the brainstem when hearing loss is nonserviceable. This approach provides wide access through the presigmoid corridor without prolonged cerebellar retraction. Early identification of the facial nerve at the fundus is also achieved. In this operative video atlas manuscript, the authors demonstrate a step-by-step technique for microsurgical resection of a large cystic acoustic neuroma via a translabyrinthine approach. The nuances of microsurgical and skull base technique are illustrated including performing extracapsular dissection of the tumor while maintaining a subperineural plane of dissection to preserve the facial nerve. This strategy maximizes the extent of removal while preserving facial nerve function. A microscopic remnant of tumor was left adherent to the perineurium. A near-total resection of the tumor was achieved and the facial nerve stimulated briskly at low thresholds. Other than preexisting hearing loss, the patient was neurologically intact with normal facial nerve function postoperatively. In summary, the translabyrinthine approach and the use of subperineural dissection are important strategies in the armamentarium for surgical management of large acoustic neuromas while preserving facial nerve function.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/zld2cSP8fb8.

Medial acoustic neuromas: clinical and surgical implications

2014 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. 1095-1104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian F. Dunn ◽  
Wenya Linda Bi ◽  
Kadir Erkmen ◽  
Paulo A. S. Kadri ◽  
David Hasan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Maximum Diameter ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Class A ◽  
Acoustic Neuromas ◽  
Facial Function

Object Medial acoustic neuroma is a rare entity that confers a distinct clinical syndrome. It is scarcely discussed in the literature and is associated with adverse features. This study evaluates the clinical and imaging features, pertinent surgical challenges, and treatment outcome in a large series of this variant. The authors postulate that the particular pathological anatomy with its arachnoidal rearrangement has a profound implication on the surgical technique and outcome. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 52 cases involving 33 women and 19 men who underwent resection of medial acoustic neuromas performed by the senior author (O.A.) over a 20-year period (1993–2013). Clinical, radiological, and operative records were reviewed, with a specific focus on the neurological outcomes and facial nerve function and hearing preservation. Intraoperative findings were analyzed with respect to the effect of arachnoidal arrangement on the surgeon's ability to resect the lesion and the impact on postoperative function. Results The average tumor size was 34.5 mm (maximum diameter), with over 90% of tumors being 25 mm or larger and 71% being cystic. Cerebellar, trigeminal nerve, and facial nerve dysfunction were common preoperative findings. Hydrocephalus was present in 11 patients. Distinguishing intraoperative findings included marked tumor adherence to the brainstem and frequent hypervascularity, which prompted intracapsular dissection resulting in enhancement on postoperative MRI in 18 cases, with only 3 demonstrating growth on follow-up. There was no mortality or major postoperative neurological deficit. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was encountered in 7 patients, with 4 requiring surgical repair. Among 45 patients who had intact preoperative facial function, only 1 had permanent facial nerve paralysis on extended follow-up. Of the patients with preoperative Grade I–II facial function, 87% continued to have Grade I–II function on follow-up. Of 10 patients who had Class A hearing preoperatively, 5 continued to have Class A or B hearing after surgery. Conclusions Medial acoustic neuromas represent a rare subgroup whose site of origin and growth patterns produce a distinct clinical presentation and present specific operative challenges. They reach giant size and are frequently cystic and hypervascular. Their origin and growth pattern lead to arachnoidal rearrangement with marked adherence against the brainstem, which is critical in the surgical management. Excellent surgical outcome is achievable with a high rate of facial nerve function and attainable hearing preservation. These results suggest that similar or better results may be achieved in less complex tumors.

Report of 190 consecutive cases of large acoustic tumors (vestibular schwannoma) removed via the translabyrinthine approach

1999 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. E1
Author(s):  
Todd H. Lanman ◽  
Derald E. Brackmann ◽  
William E. Hitselberger ◽  
Bill Subin
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Residual Tumor ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Translabyrinthine Approach ◽  
Acoustic Neuromas ◽  
Total Tumor Removal ◽  
Functional Preservation

Object The choice of approach for surgical removal of large acoustic neuromas is still controversial. The authors reviewed the results in a series of patients who underwent removal of large tumors via the translabyrinthine approach. Methods The authors conducted a database analysis of 190 patients (89 men and 101 women) with acoustic neuromas 3 cm or greater in size. The mean age of these patients was 46.1 ± 15.6 years. One hundred seventy-eight patients underwent primary translabyrinthine surgical removal and 12 underwent surgery for residual tumor. Total tumor removal was accomplished in 183 cases (96.3%). The tumor was adherent to the facial nerve to some degree in 64% of the cases, but the facial nerve was preserved anatomically in 178 (93.7%) of the patients. Divided nerves were repaired by primary attachment or cable graft. Facial nerve function was assessed immediately after surgery, at the time of discharge, and at 3 to 4 weeks and 1 year after discharge. Excellent function (House-Brackmann facial nerve Grade I or II) was present in 55%, 33.9%, 38.8%, and 52.6% of the patients for each time interval, respectively, with acceptable function (Grades I–IV) in 81% at 1 year. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage that required surgical repair occurred in only 1.1% of the patients and meningitis occurred in 3.7%. There were no deaths. Conclusions Use of the translabyrinthine approach for removal of large tumors resulted in good anatomical and functional preservation of the facial nerve, with minimum incidence of morbidity and no incidence of mortality. The authors continue to recommend use of this approach for acoustic tumors larger than 3 cm and for smaller tumors when hearing preservation is not an issue.

scholarly journals The Transcrusal Approach

Neurosurgery ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 1017-1022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Brandt ◽  
Justin Poirier ◽  
Brian Hughes ◽  
Stephen P. Lownie ◽  
Lorne S. Parnes
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Basilar Artery ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Trigeminal Schwannoma ◽  
Transcrusal Approach

Abstract OBJECTIVE This study reviewed the experience and outcomes of 1 surgical team (L.S.P., S.P.L.) using the transcrusal approach. METHODS Ten-year retrospective review of 17 consecutive patients requiring transcrusal exposure of the petrous apex and upper brainstem was performed. The main outcome measures included hearing and facial nerve preservation as measured by standard audiography and postoperative assessment using the House-Brackmann scale. RESULTS Operative indications included meningioma (5 patients), epidermoid/dermoid cyst (3 patients), trigeminal schwannoma (3 patients), giant or large upper basilar artery aneurysm (3 patients), pontine cavernoma (1 patient), chondrosarcoma (1 patient), and clival melanocytoma (1 patient). Average tumor size was 3.6 cm. Complete resection was achieved in 50% of patients with petroclival tumors. Follow-up data were obtained for 14 patients at 20 ± 4 months. Serviceable hearing was preserved in 58%. Sixty-four percent of patients demonstrated House-Brackmann stage I facial nerve function. Two patients died perioperatively (brainstem infarction). Two patients became hemiparetic, with 1 improving substantially. CSF leaks developed in 3 patients. Forty-seven percent of patients demonstrated cranial nerve V deficits. Forty-one percent of patients demonstrated deficits of cranial nerve III, IV, or VI. Vertigo, vestibular disturbance, hydrocephalus, temporal lobe contusion, or hematoma did not develop in any patients. CONCLUSION The transcrusal approach provides adequate exposure for most petroclival lesions and giant aneurysms of the upper basilar artery while offering the possibility of hearing preservation. Like all approaches to large tumors and aneurysms in this region, there is a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. However, this approach is an excellent alternative to other techniques that necessitate deliberate sacrifice of ipsilateral hearing.

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