Microsurgical treatment of trigeminal neurinoma under frontotemporal arch-subtemporal approach

[Objective] To investigate the effect in middle cranial fossa trigeminal neurinoma under frontotemporal arch-subtemporal approach.[Methods] Five patients with trigeminal neurinoma resection via subtemporal approach were retrospectively analyzed.[Results] Total resection was achieved in 4 patients and subtotal resection was performed in 1 patient with small portion neurioma remained in the cavernous sinuses.The cranial nerve deficits were improved after operation.Transient oculomotor paralysis happened in 1 case.Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid occurred in another patient,which was fully recovered by lumber draining and antibiotic therapy.[Conclusion] Subtemporal approach can provide better exposure of these tumors with minimal brain retraction.The treatment for middle cranial fossa trigeminal neurinoma is complete microsurgical removal of the tumor through frontotemporal arch-subtemporal approach.