Microsurgical treatment of communicating tumor of the middle and posterior cranial fossa

Objective To summarize the operative experience of 15 cases with communicating tumors at the middle and posterior cranial fossa. Methods Fifteen patients with communicating tumors were operated on by the pterional approach, including 6 cases of craniopharyngioma, 5 meningiomas, 3 neurinomas and 1 pituitary adenoma. The subdural approach was used in 11 patients and the epidural approach was used in the other 4 patients. Results Total resection of the tumor was achieved in 12 patients, and subtotal resection in the other 3 patients. No patient died. Conclusion The pterional approach is an ideal approach in removing communicating tumor at the middle and posterior cranial fossa. Understanding the clinicopathological feature of the tumor and its relationship to adjacent structure and direction of tumor growth, selecting appropriate surgical approach, and using microsurgical technique are vital to obtain the best curative effects.