Microsurgical excision of the large or giant cerebellopontine angle meningioma.

OBJECTIVE The object of this study was to analyze the therapeutic effects of microsurgical excision in cases with the large or giant cerebellopontine angle meningioma. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the 56 patients who suffered from the large or giant cerebellopontine angle meningioma and underwent the microsurgical therapy, for which the suboccipital-retrosigmoidal approach was adopted in 38 cases, the temporal-occipital craniotomy, presigmoidal approach in 6 cases, the temporal-occipital craniotomy, inferotemporal tentorium cerebelli approach in 8 cases, and the temporal-occipital craniotomy, supratentorial or infratentorial allied approach in 4 cases. RESULTS The tumors of 44 cases were all resected (Simpson I, II), with a total resection rate of 78.6%, and there was no operative mortality. After surgery, symptoms improved in 40 cases and remained unchanged in 10 cases. Among 54 cases, recrudescence was seen in 2 cases (3.7%) and being able to take care of themselves in 50 cases (92.6%) at 6 months through 6 years follow-up after surgery. CONCLUSION A rationally selected surgical approach, a microscopic technology applied in the operation to appropriately treat and protect vein, nerve and brain stem, which can ideally excise the tumors, together can increase the survival ability of patients.