Craniocervical approach to jugular foramen tumors with neck extension

Abstract

Objective To explore the feasibility of single-stage total removal of jugular foramen tumors with neck extension via a craniocervical approach. Methods The clinical and radiological features, operative techniques and outcomes of 18 patients with jugular foramen tumors with neck extension were retrospectively reviewed. Results All the patients were surgically treated underwent single-stage tumor resection via a craniocervical approach. Total removal of tumor was achieved in 16 patients and subtotal in 2. Eleven patients harbored schwannomas, 2 meningiomas, 2 neurofibromas, 1 jugular bulb tumor, 1 fibrosarcoma, and an additional patient suffered from chondrosarcoma. There was no operative mortality in this series. Two patients experienced cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Postoperatively, the facial nerve function was improved in 3 cases, but new facial paresis occurred in 2 patients. The lower cranial nerve function was improved in 7 cases and stable in 6, but new deficits occurred in 2 patients. The follow-up was available in 15 patients. There was no clinical or radiological sign of tumor recurrence. While one patient with chondrosarcoma died of distance metastasis 23 months after operation. Conclusion Single-stage total resection of jugular foramen tumors with neck extension could be achieved by a multidisciplinary skull base team composed of neurosurgeons and head and neck surgeons via a craniocervical approach. Key words: Jugular foramen; Brain neoplasms; Microsurgery