Specific features of surgical treatment of lateral skull base paragangliomas

Abstract

The objective of this study is to increase the efficacy of lateral skull base paragangliomas surgical treatment. In this article the authors present the result of 20 cases of surgery in patients with lateral skull base paragangliomas. Five patients with C2–С3 tumors (according to the classification suggested by U. Fisch and D. Mattox) underwent surgery using type A infratemporal fossa approach. Good functional results have been obtained, the function of the lower cranial nerves has been saved. In 5 patients the facial nerve palsy restored to the level 3 according to House-Brackmann classification system. No cases of tumor recurrence in the postoperative period (the maximum follow-up period was 16 month) have been observed. Using the infratemporal fossa approach during lateral skull base paragangliomas excision provides complete removal of the neoplasm, visualization and avoidance of the VII, IX–XII cranial nerves injure and prevention of tumors intracranial extension and the internal carotid artery damage.