Microsurgical Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas, Presentation of Cases in 3D: 3-Dimensional Operative Video

Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2020 Jul 1;19(1):E61-E62. doi: 10.1093/ons/opz271.

Abstract

Vestibular schwannomas are the most common benign tumors of the pontocerebellar angle,1,2 their microsurgical complexity is related to their size and neurovascular relationships. The purpose of this work is to analyze the clinical, anatomic characteristics, microsurgical treatment, and the postoperative results according to the Hannover gradual scale in 4 patients with vestibular schwannomas. The 4 patients gave their consent to the procedure and all consented to the use of their surgical videos, preoperative and postoperative studies, and postoperative pictures. Case 1: A 39-yr-old woman, with left ear hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed small Intracanalicular schwannoma (T1 classification by Hannover). Microsurgery was performed and resection through a retrosigmoid approach2,3 with anatomic and functional preservation of the facial and cochlear nerve. Case 2: A 40-yr-old woman, with left ear hypoacusia. MRI showed an extrameatal schwannoma reaching the brainstem (T3b Hannover classification). The complete re-section through retrosigmoid approach were performed. Case 3: A 69-yr-old woman, without hearing in the right ear. RM: Medium schwannoma (T4a classification of Hannover). Microsurgery was performed with anatomic and functional preservation of the facial nerve.4-6 Case 4: A 32-yr-old woman, without hearing in the left ear. In addition, cerebellar syndrome and headache. RM: Large schwannoma (T4b classification of Hannover). Sur-gery was performed, anatomic preservation of the facial nerve, with moderate paresis in the postoperative period. Microsurgical resection with functional preservation of the facial and cochlear nerve is the main objective7 when addressing this pathology.

Keywords: 3D microsurgery; Cerebellopontine angle; Retrosigmoid approach; Vestibular schwannomas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cochlear Nerve
  • Facial Nerve / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Microsurgery
  • Neuroma, Acoustic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroma, Acoustic* / surgery