Microsurgical Excision of the Large or Giant Cerebellopontine Angle Meningioma

OBJECTIVE: The object of this study was to analyze the therapeutic effects of microsurgical excision in cases with the large or giant cerebellopontine angle meningioma. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the 56 patients who suffered from the large or giant cerebellopontine angle meningioma and underwent the microsurgical therapy, for which the suboccipital-retrosigmoidal approach was adopted in 38 cases, the temporal-occipital craniotomy, presigmoidal approach in 6 cases, the temporal-occipital craniotomy, inferotemporal tentorium cerebelli approach in 8 cases, and the temporal-occipital craniotomy, supratentorial or infratentorial allied approach in 4 cases. RESULTS: The tumors of 44 cases were all resected (Simpson I, II), with a total resection rate of 78.6%, and there was no operative mortality. After surgery, symptoms improved in 40 cases and remained unchanged in 10 cases. Among 54 cases, recrudescence was seen in 2 cases (3.7%) and being able to take care of themselves in 50 cases (92.6%) at 6 months through 6 years follow-up after surgery. CONCLUSION: A rationally selected surgical approach, a microscopic technology applied in the operation to appropriately treat and protect vein, nerve and brain stem, which can ideally excise the tumors, together can increase the survival ability of patients.