Extended frontotemporal approach for resection of middle cranial fossa communicating tumors:A clinical study of 42 cases

Objective To summarize surgical treatment experience on the extended frontotemporal approach for resection of middle cranial fossa communicating tumors.Methods Retrospective analysis of surgical treatment experience on extended frontotemporal approach for resection of middle cranial fossa communicating tumors in 42 cases was conducted.Results Total tumor resection was completed in 32 cases,subtotal resection in 6 cases and partial resection in 4 cases.No operation death was recorded.Symptoms disappeared in 18 cases and improved in 24 cases.Surgical complications: part of sensory root of trigeminal nerve injury in 15 cases,oculomotor nerve injury in 6 cases,optic nerve injury in 3 cases and 1 case with facial nerve injury.Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was seen in 3 cases,bite dislocation in 1 case and intracranial infection in 1 case.Conclusion With disconnection of the zygomatic arch and lumbar cisterm cerebrospinal fluid drainage to reduce intracranial pressure in operation,extended frontotemporal approach for resection of middle cranial fossa communicating tumors provides wide operative field if the resection of the tumor starts from extracranial part.It can better protect the brain and nerve function and reduce complications.