Frontotemporal epidural approach to trigeminal neurinomas

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Oncology

Background:

• Trigeminal neurinomas are rare tumors affecting the Vth cranial nerve.
• Treatment options have evolved, with surgery being a primary consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of microsurgical removal for trigeminal neurinomas.
• To assess the impact of surgery on Vth nerve function and trigeminal pain.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 44 patients treated between 1980 and 1993.
• Surgical approaches included epidural, epidural-transdural, and epidural-transdural-transpetrous routes.
• Complete tumor removal was the primary surgical goal.

Main Results:

• All surgically treated tumors (39 patients) were completely removed.
• Postoperative Vth nerve sensory function improved in 11 patients, remained unchanged in 9, and worsened in 10.
• Atypical trigeminal pain resolved in all affected patients post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Complete microsurgical removal is the gold standard treatment for trigeminal neurinomas.
• Microsurgery offers effective tumor resection with acceptable neurological outcomes.
• Surgical intervention can significantly alleviate associated trigeminal pain.