Trigeminal neurinomas: operative approach in eight cases

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Oncology

Background:

• Trigeminal neurinomas are rare tumors affecting the trigeminal nerve.
• Management often involves complex surgical resection.
• Radical resection aims for complete tumor removal to prevent recurrence and neurological deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the outcomes of radical, single-stage resection for trigeminal neurinomas.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different surgical approaches based on tumor location.
• To analyze surgical results and complications in a series of eight patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of eight trigeminal neurinoma cases managed over 13 years.
• Radical tumor resection using transpetrosal transtentorial or orbitozygomatic infratemporal approaches.
• Surgical approach selection based on tumor topography (middle fossa, posterior fossa, or both).

Main Results:

• Total tumor removal was achieved in all eight patients.
• No operative mortality was recorded.
• Surgical outcomes were excellent in three patients and good in five; one recurrence and one case requiring a second operation were noted.
• Permanent damage to trigeminal branches occurred in several cases.

Conclusions:

• Radical, single-stage resection is an effective treatment for trigeminal neurinomas.
• Tailored surgical approaches allow for complete tumor removal.
• While effective, trigeminal nerve injury is a significant complication that must be considered.