Surgical treatment of epidermoid tumors of the posterior fossa. Analysis of 16 cases
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59156/revista.v40i01.791Keywords:
Complications, Epidermoid tumor, Posterior fossa, Surgical techniqueAbstract
Background: posterior fossa epidermoid tumors represent a neurosurgical challenge due to their complex anatomy and close relationship with critical neurovascular structures. They originate in the basal cisterns, and their growth leads to progressive symptoms such as headaches and neurological deficits resulting from cranial nerve compression. Diagnosis is established through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and treatment is based on microsurgical resection.
Objectives: was to analyse a case series of patients undergoing surgery for posterior fossa epidermoid tumors.
Methods: observational, descriptive cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection, including patients from two different institutions, between January 2020 and December 2024, who underwent surgery for posterior fossa epidermoid cysts.
Results: 16 patients were included, with a mean age of 43.7 ± 14.8 years; 56.3% were female. The most common location was the cerebellopontine angle (81.4%), and the most frequent presenting symptom was trigeminal neuralgia (56.3%). A retrosigmoid approach was used in 81.3% of cases. Gross total resection was achieved in 81.3%, while subtotal resection was performed in 18.7% of cases. Transient cranial nerve deficit occurred in 18.7% of patients, at 12 months, 100% of them had recovered function. No mortality or recurrence was observed at 12 months of follow-up.
Conclusion: the outcomes in this study are comparable to those reported in international literature.
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