Nerve functional preservation during microsurgical resection of giant cerebellopontine angle meningiomas

Objective To discuss the outcome of nerve functional preservation after microsurgical resection of giant cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. Methods A retrospective analysis of 42 patients with giant cerebellopontine angle meningiomas was performed. Functional preservation of Ⅴ、Ⅵ、Ⅶ、Ⅷ and lower cranial nerves was analyzed. Results According to Simpson resection grade, 11 of 42 cases achieved grade Ⅰ resection, 23 of 42 cases grade Ⅱ and 8 tumors were subtotally removed. The rate of total resection was 81%. The rate of anatomical preservation of facial nerve was 95% while functional preservation 81%. The rate of hearing restoration was 71% while hearing of 19% cases was improved. Conclusion Microsurgical resection is an effective and safe method to giant cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. The primary principles in dealing with this disease entity include preservation of nerve function and total resection of the tumor.