Acknowledgments We acknowledge Jonathan Russin, Joshua Bakhsheshian, and Robert F. Spetzler for their authorship of the previous edition of this chapter. Please access Videos to view the corresponding videos for this chapter. Introduction Surgical understanding of the vascular anatomy of…
During the last quarter century, the management of many skull base tumors has shifted away from complete surgical resection toward subtotal resection to preserve function, and then control of growth. This is particularly true for vestibular schwannomas (i.e., acoustic neuromas)…
Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is a valuable tool for improved patient outcomes because it permits the surgeon to evaluate functional changes in structures at risk. Facial nerve monitoring has reached a level of consistency that makes it a state-of-the-art adjunct to…
Please access Videos to view the corresponding videos for this chapter. Facial nerve paralysis can occur during the course of otologic and neurotologic surgery, either intentionally where sacrifice of the facial nerve is inevitable or inadvertently despite meticulous dissection. In…
Facial paralysis (FP) can be devastating, both emotionally and functionally. A lack of facial expression removes the visible thumbprint of personality in day-to-day interactions. The inability to smile or simply make a symmetric facial expression takes an emotional toll on…
Please access Videos to view the corresponding videos for this chapter. Historically, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates of approximately 20% were observed after translabyrinthine craniotomy. With refinement of closure technique, CSF leak rates have decreased significantly to 0% to 3%.…
The extreme lateral infrajugular transcondylar (ELITE) approach was born out of the anatomical constraints and operative challenges presented by the cranial base. The transcondylar approach was devised as an avenue for access to the foramen magnum and ventral medulla. ,…
Acknowledgments The authors are grateful to their patients for their time and effort in laboratory testing. We also thank Drs. Jose Fayad, Robert Shannon, and William Hitselberger, who contributed to the previous edition of this chapter. Please access Videos to…
Introduction Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is a rare syndrome characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas, multiple meningiomas, cranial nerve tumors, spinal tumors, and eye abnormalities. NF2 presents unique challenges to the otologist because hearing loss may be the presenting complaint leading to…
Petroclival tumors arise from or involve the petroclival junction cephalad from the jugular tubercle, medial to the trigeminal nerve, and anteromedial to the internal auditory canal (IAC). , Tumors of the petroclival area are a particular challenge because they often…