Microsurgical management of acoustic neuroma and protection of facial nerve

Objective To discuss the microsurgical skills of management of acoustic neuroma and the protection of facial nerve. Methods One hundred and sixty-eight patients with acoustic neuroma, admitted to our hospital from August 2002 to December 2010, received microsurgery through suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. Under intraoperative electromyography (EMG) monitoring, the facial nerve was separated sharply from both sides, and the tumors were removed by alternate intracapsular excision and capsule wall excision. The microsurgical skill and the method of protection of facial nerve were evaluated retrospectively. Results Total resection was performed in 149 cases (88.69％), partial resection in 19 cases (11.31％). Facial nerve was protected in 146 cases (86.9％) during the operation. Two patients were dead shortly after the surgery. The facial nerve functions were evaluated 6 months after the surgery: 91 (54.26％) belonged to grade Ⅰ and grade Ⅱ, and 52 (30.95％) belonged to grade Ⅲ and grade Ⅳ, while 52 (14.89％) belonged to grade Ⅴ and grade Ⅵ according to House-Brackmann grade. Conclusion The microsurgical removal of acoustic neuroma through suboccipital retrosigmoid approach is safe and effective. The intraoperative electromyography monitoring could improve the reservation rate of facial nerve. Skilled microsurgical technique is the key to the total removal of acoustic minor and the protection of facial nerve. Key words: Acoustic neuroma;  Microsurgery;  Facial nerve