Surgical techniques of posterior fossa craniotomy: report of 32 cases

Objective To summarize surgical techniques of posterior fossa craniotomy for posterior fossa tumors and to improve clinical outcomes.Methods Clinical data of 32 cases of posterior fossa tumors were retrospectively analyzed.Ten cases received tumor resection via suboccipital midline or para-midline approach,while the other 22 via retrosigmoid approach.Craniotomy was applied in all cases and bone flaps were secured in situ.Results Total tumor removal was achieved in 31 cases,with subtotal removal in 1 case.Three cases with retrosigmoid sinuses injured and repaired during the surgical procedure recovered well.Postoperative local pain related to the healed wound and subcutaneous hydrops occurred in 2 and 1 cases,respectively.No cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea or pseudomeningocele was observed.Conclusion Posterior fossa craniotomy is a safe and effective technique,with less posterior fossa bone defect-induced complication.