[Microsurgical resection of jugular foramen tumors with hearing preservation and without facial nerve palsy]

Abstract

Background: The juxtacondylar microsurgical approach is an adequate alternative to the classical infratemporal approach for the resection of tumors of the jugular foramen.

Patients and methods: Retrospectively, we report on our experience with eight patients suffering from tumors of the jugular foramen with different etiologies, who were treated successfully via the juxtacondylar approach with interdisciplinary cooperation.

Results: The advantage of the juxtacondylar approach is that there is no need to expose and transpose the facial nerve. Additionally, reduction or translocation of the posterior wall of the auditory canal and removal of the ossicular chain are not necessary.

Conclusions: Tumors of the jugular foramen can be safely removed without damaging the facial nerve or auditory capacity, with a comparatively much better overview over the vascular and neural structures of the jugular foramen. This more neurosurgically orientated skull base approach is not very well known in the ENT surgical literature.