Clinical experience of anterior cervical approaches in the treatment of cervical neurogenic tumor of the peripheral nerve

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of using anterior cervical approaches in the treatment of cervical neurogenic tumor of the peripheral nerve from different parts. Methods A retrospective review of 22 cases of cervical neurogenic tumor of peripheral nerves was performed, who were admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2009 to January 2015.All 22 patients underwent microsurgical operations with anterior approach of sternocleidomastoid muscle in 10 cases, posterior approach of sternocleidomastoid muscle in 4 cases, anterior cervical retropharyngeal approach in 3 cases, trans-oral approach in 2 cases, and supraclavicular approach in 3 cases. Results The tumors in all 22 cases were totally resected.No surgical complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage were observed except 2 cases which developed hoarseness postoperatively that improved that after neurotrophic treatment. All cases were followed up for 12-84 month with a mean 48.3±18.7 month.Recurrence occurred in 1 case which underwent 2nd operation. Conclusion It seems safe and effective to select appropriate approaches corresponding to various tumor locations in the treatment of cervical neurogenic tumors of peripheral nerves. Key words: Head and neck neoplasm; Neurogenic neoplasms; Microsurgery; Treatment outcome