Middle fossa approach for a facial nerve schwannoma: how I do it

Background Facial nerve schwannomas can extend to the middle fossa or the cerebellopontine angle through the labyrinthine and cisternal segments of the facial nerve. The middle fossa approach (MFA) and its extensions provide a wide approach to deal with a large variety of lesions located in the middle and posterior cranial fossa junction. Methods We describe the MFA along with its advantages and limitations to treat a facial nerve schwannoma involving the middle and posterior cranial fossa. Conclusions The MFA is a well-established route to surgically deal with tumors located in and around the proximal four segments of the facial nerve.

Automated summary

This study describes the middle fossa approach (MFA) and its advantages and limitations in the treatment of facial nerve schwannomas. The MFA is a well-established surgical route for tumors located in and around the proximal four segments of the facial nerve.