Suboccipital retrosigmoid key hole approach in surgical treatment of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas: a clinical analysis of 32 cases

Objective To discusses the role of suboccipital retrosigmoid approach in surgical treatment of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. Methods The clinical data of 32 patients with cerebellopontine angle meningiomas, underwent microsurgery through suboccipital retrosigmoid approach in our hospital from January 1998 and December 2014, were analyzed retrospectively. The treatment efficacy was analyzed. Results In these 32 patients, all of them received tumor removal. After the operation and during the follow-up, the preoperative symptoms and signs disappeared in 22 patients, and relieved in 7. The cranial nerve deficit was unchanged in 3; new neurological deficit was presented in 5, and 8 months-3 years follow up showed that excepted for two patients with permanent damage, the other 3 patents got recovery within 3-6 months of follow up. No tumor recurrence was noted. Conclusion Suboccipital retrosigmoid approach offers excellent exposure to cerebellopontine angle region in surgical treatment of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas, enjoying tiny operational trauma, quick recovery and few complications. Key words: Petroclival region; Meningioma; Suboccipital retrosigmoid key hole srugery