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Neurotologic skull base surgery in pediatric patients
Calhoun D Cunningham1, Rick A Friedman, Derald E Brackmann
1House Ear Clinic and House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Summary
Pediatric patients with lateral skull base tumors can achieve successful outcomes with modern neurotologic surgery. Advances in diagnosis and surgical techniques lead to good functional results and low complication rates in children.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Lateral skull base surgery has seen significant advancements.
- Concerns exist regarding pediatric patients benefiting from these advances for skull base tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neurotologic skull base surgery outcomes in pediatric patients.
- To assess the impact of modern techniques on children with skull base tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of 89 pediatric patients.
- 115 neurotologic procedures for lateral skull base tumors (1992-2003).
- Evaluation of clinical presentation, tumor type, hearing, facial nerve status, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Vestibular schwannomas were common, with 65 patients having neurofibromatosis Type 2.
- 97% complete tumor removal and 80% good facial nerve function preservation.
- 61.4% hearing preservation in middle fossa surgery; low complication rates.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients can undergo successful lateral skull base tumor treatment.
- Modern neurotologic techniques yield good functional outcomes and minimal morbidity.
- Advances in diagnosis and surgical procedures benefit children with these tumors.