Role of the neurotologist in posterior fossa meningioma surgery

Abstract

Posterior fossa meningiomas that impinge on structures of the temporal bone or clivus may be difficult to access for optimal resection that maximizes tumor control and minimizes short- and long-term morbidities. To address this challenge, the contemporary neurosurgery-neurotology team works collaboratively by managing patients jointly at every stage of care: preoperative evaluation, intraoperative intervention, and postoperative treatment. The neurotologist is important at all stages of posterior fossa meningioma surgery. First, detailed preoperative evaluation of auditory, facial, vestibular, and lower cranial nerve integrity enables assessment of new neurologic deficit risk, prognosis of functional recovery, and pros and cons of candidate surgical approaches. Second, intraoperative partitioning of surgical steps by provider and adopting an overlapping tumor resection philosophy creates an efficient and confident surgical team built on trust. Third, postoperative closure of cerebrospinal fluid leak and treatment of facial weakness, audiovestibular dysfunction, and voicing and swallowing impairments organized by the neurotologist reduces the impact of negative outcomes. The role of the neurotologist in posterior fossa meningioma surgery is to deliver nuanced evaluative metrics, facilitate shared decision making, perform precise bone and soft tissue microsurgery, and mitigate perioperative morbidities.

Keywords: Facial nerve; Hearing; Meningioma; Neurotologist; Petrosectomy; Posterior fossa; Speech; Swallow; Tinnitus; Vestibular.