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Lateral skull base surgery for glomus tumors: long-term control.
C G Jackson1, B M McGrew, J A Forest
1The Otology Group, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Summary
Surgical resection of glomus jugulare tumors offers effective long-term control with good functional outcomes. While complications and cranial nerve deficits can occur, recurrence rates are low following modern skull base techniques.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Skull Base Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Glomus jugulare tumors are rare, slow-growing neoplasms.
- Modern microsurgery enables extensive skull base resections.
- Data on recurrence risk after modern resection techniques are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate major complications and cranial nerve deficits after glomus jugulare tumor resection.
- To determine the long-term control rate and recurrence risk.
- To assess the functional outcomes and efficacy of surgical resection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of 176 patients undergoing 182 lateral skull base resections (1972-1998).
- Assessment of major complications, tumor recurrence, and postoperative functional capacity.
- Analysis of factors influencing complication and recurrence rates.
Main Results:
- Complete surgical control achieved in 85% of cases; recurrence rate was 5.5%.
- Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 4.5% of cases with intracranial extension.
- New deficits for cranial nerves IX-XII ranged from 21% to 39%; mortality rate was 2.7%.
Conclusions:
- Surgical resection is an effective treatment for glomus jugulare tumors.
- The procedure offers good functional outcomes and long-term tumor control.
- Modern skull base techniques balance efficacy with acceptable complication rates.