The comprehension of preservation for petrosal vein in 147 operative cases with acoustic neuroma

Abstract

Objective To discuss the preservation and clinical significance of petrosal vein in microsurgical operation of acoustic neuroma. Methods 147 patients with acoustic neuroma were operated, with internal decompression of the tumor firstly then dissected the tumor with surrounding structures, the petrosal vein were protected well in 143 cases and failed to protect in 4 cases. Results No hemorrhagic infarction in cerebellar was observed in 143 cases with intact petrosal vein. One case occurred with extensive cerebellar edema, which has gait disturbance after 18 months follow-up. The other three cases occurred with vein infarction and hemorrhagic edema after petrosal vein damage. One was dead and the other two were recovered well after decompression of posterior cranial fossa. One has no significant neurological deficit after 33 months follow-up, while the other has difficulty in line walking after 12 months follow-up. Conclusion Petrosal vein should be well protected in the operation of acoustic neuroma, the decompression of posterior cranial fossa should be considered if petrosal vein failed to protect. Key words: Acoustic neuroma; Petrosal vein; Neuro-microsurgical operation