Microsurgical treatment with cerebellopontine angle meningiomas through suboccipital retrosigmoid approach

Objective:To discuss clinical features,microsurgical approaches of cerebellopontine angle(CPA) meningiomas.Methods:Data of 29 patients underwent surgical removal of histologically confirmed meningiomas were analyzed retrospectively,and extent of resection,changes of nerve function postoperatively,and main complication.Results:Complete resection was done in 16 patients,subtotal resection in 10 patients and part resection in 3 patients,all patients with subtotal resection and part resection received γ-knife therapy after operation.Postoperative status was improved in 20 cases,remained unchanged or aggravated in 9,leakage of cerebrospinal fluid in 2,pulmonary infection in 4,injury of posterior cranial nerves in 3,intracranial infection in 1,coma with hemiplegia in 1,1 death occurred.Conclusion:Appropriate approaches,protection of vessels,nerves and brain stem,skills of tumor resection,properly preservation and treatment with complication,are all keys to improve therapeutical outcomes and post-operative quality of life.