Hearing Preservation Using the Middle Fossa Approach for the Treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 334-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Walter Kutz ◽  
Tyler Scoresby ◽  
Brandon Isaacson ◽  
Bruce E. Mickey ◽  
Christopher J. Madden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Vestibular Schwannoma ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Class A ◽  
Facial Function ◽  
Grade Iii

Abstract BACKGROUND: The incidence of small vestibular schwannomas in patients with serviceable hearing is increasing because of the widespread use of MRI. The middle fossa approach provides the patient with an opportunity for tumor removal with hearing preservation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of hearing preservation and facial nerve outcomes after removal of a vestibular schwannoma with the use of the middle fossa approach. METHODS: A retrospective case review at a tertiary, academic medical center was performed identifying patients from 1998 through 2008 that underwent removal of a vestibular schwannoma by the middle fossa approach. Preoperative and postoperative audiograms were compared to determine hearing preservation rates. In addition, facial nerve outcomes at last follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-six patients underwent a middle fossa craniotomy for the removal of a vestibular schwannoma. Of the 38 patients that had class A or class B hearing preoperatively, 24 (63.2%) retained class A or B hearing and 29 (76.3%) retained class A, B, or C hearing. When tumors were 10 mm or less in patients with class A or B preoperative hearing, 22 of 30 patients (73.3%) retained class A or B hearing. When the tumor size was greater than 10 mm in patients with class A or B preoperative hearing, 2 of 8 patients (25%) retained class A or B hearing. At most recent follow-up, 76.1% of patients had House-Brackmann grade I facial function, 13.0% had House-Brackmann grade II facial function, and 10.9% had House-Brackmann grade III facial function. CONCLUSION: Hearing preservation rates are excellent using the middle fossa approach, especially for smaller tumors. No patient experienced long-term facial nerve function worse than House-Brackmann grade III.

Is the middle fossa approach the treatment of choice for intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma?

2005 ◽  
Vol 132 (3) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vittorio Colletti ◽  
Francesco Fiorino
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Vestibular Schwannoma ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Internal Auditory Canal ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Class A ◽  
Longitudinal Investigation

OBJECTIVES: To compare the 2 surgical techniques most commonly used during vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery, i.e., the middle fossa (MF) and the retrosigmoid-transmeatal (RS-TM) routes, when hearing preservation is attempted. STUDY DESIGN: A longitudinal study of a series of consecutive patients operated on with the 2 techniques by the same surgeon was conducted. Selection criteria included tumor confined to the internal auditory canal (IAC) with a length ranging from 4 to 12 mm and hearing class A or B. Patients were alternately assigned to 1 of the 2 groups regardless of auditory class and distance of the tumor from the IAC fundus. Thirty-five subjects were operated on with the RS-TM technique and 35 via the MF route. RESULTS: No significant differences in auditory and facial nerve function results between the 2 techniques were observed. The RS-TM approach, however, showed better facial nerve results at discharge. VS size, IAC enlargement, and, particularly, the distance from the IAC fundus were found to influence the postoperative results more than the type of approach itself. CONCLUSIONS: The MF approach has been described as being the better technique for VS surgery in terms of auditory results. However, this claim lacks statistical substantiation because no prospective studies are to be found in the literature. The present longitudinal investigation shows that the MF approach does not afford any particular advantages over the RS-TM route in terms of auditory results in intracanalicular VS, with the exception of tumors reaching the IAC fundus.

Preservation of Facial, Cochlear, and other Nerve Functions in Acoustic Neuroma Treatment

1994 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Marc Sterkers ◽  
Gavin A. J. Morrison ◽  
Olivier Sterkers ◽  
Mohamed M. K. Badr El-Dine
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Surgical Excision ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Translabyrinthine Approach ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Facial Nerve Monitoring ◽  
Facial Function

Between March 1966 and September 1992, 1400 acoustic neuromas were treated in Paris, France, by surgical excision. The findings over the last 7 years are presented. The translabyrinthine approach has been used in more than 85% of cases. Where hearing preservation is attempted, the middle fossa approach has been adopted for intracanilicular tumors and the retrosigmoid approach for small tumors extending into the cerebellopontine angle, in which the fundus of the internal meatus is free of tumor. The main goal is to achieve a grade I or II result in facial function within 1 month of surgery. Results improved during 1991 after the introduction of continuous facial nerve monitoring and the use of the Beaver mini-blade for dissection of tumor from nerve. With these techniques, facial function at grade I or II at 1 month improved from 20% to 52% for large tumors (larger than 3 cm), from 42% to 81% for medium tumors (2 to 3 cm), and from 70% to 92% for small tumors (up to and including 2 cm extracanalicular). The facial nerve was at greater risk using the retrosigmoid or middle fossa approaches than by the translabyrinthine route. Since 1985, success in hearing preservation has changed little, with useful hearing being preserved in 38.2% of cases operated on by means of the retrosigmoid route and 36.4% of cases after the middle fossa approach. In older patients with good hearing and small tumors, observation with periodic MRI scanning is recommended. Despite earlier diagnosis, the number of patients suitable for hearing preservation surgery remains very limited and careful selection is required. Trigeminal nerve signs were present in 20% of cases preoperativey, in 10% postoperatively, and recovered spontaneously. Palsies of the other cranial nerves after surgery were much rarer and were as follows: sixth nerve (abducens), 0.5%; ninth nerve (glossopharyngeal), 1.4%; and tenth nerve (vagus), 0.7%. The importance of preservation of function of the nervus intermedius of Wrisberg is stressed. These results emphasize the advantages of the translabyrinthine approach, offering greater security to the facial nerve and lower morbidity.

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.

Hearing preservation surgery for vestibular schwannoma: experience with the middle fossa approach

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. E10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franco DeMonte ◽  
Paul W. Gidley
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Class A ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Class B ◽  
Class C

Object In the early 1960s William F. House developed the middle fossa approach for the removal of small vestibular schwannomas (VSs) with the preservation of hearing. It is the best approach for tumors that extend laterally to the fundus of the internal auditory canal, although it does have the potential disadvantage of increased facial nerve manipulation, especially for tumors arising from the inferior vestibular nerve. The aim of this study was to monitor the hearing preservation and facial nerve outcomes of this approach. Methods A prospective database was constructed, and data were retrospectively reviewed. Results Between December 2004 and January 2012, 30 patients with small VSs underwent surgery via a middle fossa approach for hearing preservation. The patients consisted of 13 men and 17 women with a mean age of 46 years. Tumor size ranged from 7 to 19 mm. Gross-total resection was accomplished in 25 of 30 patients. Preoperative hearing was American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Class A in 21 patients, Class B in 5, Class C in 3, and undocumented in 1. Postoperatively, hearing was graded as AAO-HNS Class A in 15 patients, Class B in 7, Class C in 1, Class D in 2, and undocumented in 5. Facial nerve function was House-Brackmann (HB) Grade I in all patients preoperatively. Postoperatively, facial nerve function was HB Grade I in 28 patients, Grade III in 1, and Grade IV in 1. There were 3 complications: CSF leakage in 1 patient, superficial wound infection in 1, and extradural hematoma (asymptomatic) in 1. The overall hearing preservation rate of at least 73% and HB Grade I facial nerve outcome of 93% in this cohort are in keeping with other contemporary reports. Conclusions The middle fossa approach for the resection of small VSs with hearing preservation is a viable and relatively safe option. It should be considered among the various options available for the management of small, growing VSs.

scholarly journals Impact of Motor-Evoked Potential Monitoring on Facial Nerve Outcomes after Vestibular Schwannoma Resection

2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kareem O. Tawfik ◽  
Zoe A. Walters ◽  
Gavriel D. Kohlberg ◽  
Noga Lipschitz ◽  
Joseph T. Breen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Vestibular Schwannoma ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Evoked Potential ◽  
Amplitude Ratio ◽  
Motor Evoked Potential ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Facial Function

Objectives: Assess the utility of intraoperative transcranial facial motor-evoked potential (FMEP) monitoring in predicting and improving facial function after vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Data were obtained from 82 consecutive VS resections meeting inclusion criteria. Sixty-two cases were performed without FMEP and 20 with FMEP. Degradation of FMEP response was defined as a final-to-baseline amplitude ratio of 0.5 or less. House-Brackmann (HB) grade was assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, at follow-up assessments, and it was compared between pre- and post-FMEP cohorts. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, and specificity of FMEP degradation in predicting facial weakness were calculated. Results: In the pre-FMEP group, at length of follow-up (LOF) ⩾9 months, 83.9% (52/62) of patients exhibited HB 1-2 outcome. In the post-FMEP cohort, 75.0% (15/20) exhibited HB 1-2 function at LOF ⩾9 months. There was no difference in rates of HB 1-2 outcomes between groups in the immediate postoperative period ( P = .35) or at long-term follow-up ( P = 1.0). With respect to predicting immediate postoperative facial function, FMEP demonstrated high specificity (88.9%) and moderate sensitivity (54.5%). The PPV and NPV for immediate postoperative facial function were 85.7% and 61.5%, respectively. With respect to long-term (⩾9 months LOF) facial function, intraoperative FMEP was moderately sensitive (71.4%) and highly specific (84.6%); PPV was moderate (71.4%), and NPV was high (84.6%). Conclusions: Intraoperative FMEP is highly specific and moderately sensitive in predicting postoperative facial function for patients undergoing VS resection, but its use may not be associated with improved facial nerve outcomes. Level of Evidence: 4

Middle Fossa Approach for Facial Nerve Schwannoma Aiming for Functional Improvement: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. E167-E168
Author(s):  
Ken Matsushima ◽  
Michihiro Kohno ◽  
Hitoshi Izawa ◽  
Yujiro Tanaka
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Facial Palsy ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Tumor Removal ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
Facial Nerve Schwannoma

Abstract The treatment paradigm of skull base surgery has been changed from radical tumor resection to maximal tumor removal while giving priority to functional preservation. Facial nerve schwannoma is one of the representative disorders of this type of paradigm shift.1 This video demonstrates facial nerve schwannoma surgery through the middle fossa approach, aiming for improvement of facial function. A 33-yr-old woman presented with gradually worsening facial palsy (House-Brackmann grade IV), dizziness, and nausea. Neuroimaging revealed a growing tumor involving the geniculate ganglion, and extending to the middle fossa, internal acoustic meatus, and cerebellopontine angle. The nerve-sparing surgery through the left middle fossa approach was performed under detailed neuromonitoring including the evoked facial electromyograms and auditory brainstem response. The facial nerve fibers were involved within the tumor mass and the plane between the tumor and facial nerve could not be identified as seen in most cases of such large facial nerve schwannomas. But sufficient tumor removal with facial nerve preservation was achieved owing to continuous facial monitoring.2 The patient had no new neurological deficits. Her facial palsy has been gradually improving, now at grade III, without any signs of tumor regrowth during the 10 mo of follow up after the operation. Careful follow up is being continued to survey the possible tumor recurrence. The video was reproduced after informed consent of the patient.

Middle Fossa Approach for Vestibular Schwannoma: Good Hearing and Facial Nerve Outcomes with Low Morbidity

2016 ◽  
Vol 92 ◽  
pp. 37-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amol Raheja ◽  
Christian A. Bowers ◽  
Joel D. MacDonald ◽  
Clough Shelton ◽  
Richard K. Gurgel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Vestibular Schwannoma ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach

Influence of Vestibular Schwannoma Morphology on Hearing Preservation in Patients Operated by the Middle Fossa Approach

Skull Base ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (S 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazimierz Niemczyk ◽  
Krzysztof Morawski ◽  
Andrzej Marchel ◽  
Antoni Bruzgielewicz ◽  
Arkadiusz Nowak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vestibular Schwannoma ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach

scholarly journals Middle Fossa Approach for Resection of an Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannoma

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (S 03) ◽  
pp. S287-S287
Author(s):  
Walter C. Jean ◽  
Kyle Mueller ◽  
H. Jeffrey Kim
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Vestibular Schwannoma ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Petrous Bone ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Greater Superficial Petrosal Nerve ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Video Case Report

Objective This video was aimed to demonstrate the middle fossa approach for the resection of an intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma. Design Present study is a video case report. Setting The operative video is showing a microsurgical resection. Participant The patient was a 59-year-old man who presented with worsening headache and right-side hearing loss. He was found to have a right intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma. After weighing risks and benefits, he chose surgery to remove his tumor. Since his hearing remained “serviceable,” a middle fossa approach was chosen. Main Outcome Measures Pre- and postoperative patient photographs evaluated the muscles of facial expression as a marker for facial nerve preservation. Results A right middle fossa craniotomy was performed which allowed access to the floor of the middle cranial fossa. The greater superficial petrosal nerve (GSPN) and arcuate eminence were identified. Using these two landmarks, the internal acoustic canal (IAC) was localized. After drilling the petrous bone, the IAC was unroofed. The facial nerve was identified by stimulation and visual inspection and the tumor was separated from it with microsurgical dissection. In the end, the tumor was fully resected. Both the facial and cochlear nerves were preserved. Postoperatively, the patient experienced no facial palsy and his hearing is at baseline. Conclusion With radiosurgery gaining increasing popularity, patients with intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas are frequently treated with it, or are managed with observation. The middle fossa approach is therefore becoming a “lost art,” but as demonstrated in this video, remains an effective technique for tumor removal and nerve preservation.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/MD6o3DF6jYg.

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