Microsurgical management for cerebellopontine angle meningiomas

Objective To summarize therapeutical efficacy of microsurgical treatment for cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. Methods The clinical presentations, modus operandi and microsurgical efficacy of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas were analyzed retrospectively in 81 patients. Results According to the standard of Simpson Scale for meningiomas resection, Grade I resection was performed in 40 cases (49.4%), Grade Ⅱ in 29 (35.8%), and Grade Ⅲ in 12 (14.8%). One patient died during the operation. The follow-up time was from 3 to 135 months (with an average of 89 months), and recurrence was found in 4 cases (6.15%). Conclusion It is possible to increase the overall resection rate of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas and decrease the influence on the nerve function and improve the patients' quality-of-life by choosing adequate surgical approach and properly managing and protecting vital vessels, nerves and the brain stem using skillful microsurgical technique.