Clinical study for surgical treatment of cavernous haemangiomas in cavernous sinus

Objective To study surgical treatment of cavernous haemangiomas in cavernous sinus. Methods The data from 9 patients with cavernous sinus cavernous haemangiomas surgically treated by author's department from 1995 to 2004 were analysed retrospectively. The surgical outcomes of the patients treated by craniotomy via modified pterional approach with microneurosurgery (CMPAMNS) or microneurosurgery assisted with radiofrequency ablation (CMPAMRA) were studied comparatively. Results All the 9 patients underwent operative treatment with no mortality. 6 cases were treated by CMPAMNS and 3 cases treated by CMPAMRA. Total tumor removal was achieved in 1 case (17%) in the CMPAMNS group and 3 cases (100%) in the CMPAMRA group. Incomplete tumor removal was 5 cases (83%) in the CMPAMNS group and 0 case in the CMPARFA group. The operation for 2 cases of incomplete tumor removal was stopped because of profuse bleeding intraoperatively. The average volume of bleeding was 3500ml vs 500ml (CMPAMNS vs CMPARFA). There were 4 cases (67%) and 1 case(33%) worsening ofⅢ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ、Ⅵcerebral nerve palsy respectively after operation. Conclusion CMPAMRA is an effective surgical treatment for cavernous haemangiomas in cavernous sinus with higher rate of total tumor removal and less bleeding.