Comparative study on two surgical procedures for middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts

In this study, we explored the operation options for middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts (MCFAC). One hundred and forty-nine patients who were operated for a symptomatic MCFAC between 1993 and 2006 in our hosptial were analyzed. Follow-up time ranged from 1 y to 14 y (mean=5.4 y). All these patients were divided into three subgroups according to Galassi classification. Long-term outcome and complications were studied respectively. Fenestration (F) resulted in a more favorable long-term outcome and less complication for cysts of types I and II, whereas a favorable outcome was noted in type III patients who underwent cysto-peritoneal shunting (S). We are led to conclude that Fenestration is suitable for cysts of types I and II (Galassi classification), cysto-peritoneal shunting is better for cysts of type III.