A study assessing the post operative outcome in patients of acoustic schwannoma operated through retrosigmoid approach at tertiary care institutions- An experience of one year

Background: The most common tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is Acoustic schwannoma (80–90%). Cerebellopontine Angle tumors may be asymptomatic or may present with symptoms which could be due to tumor mass or due to raised intracranial pressure (ICP). The Suboccipital retrosigmoid approach has become an increasingly popular method of excising CPA tumors. Aims and Objectives: To assess the post operative outcome and incidence of post operative complications in patients operated for CPA tumor through retrosigmoid approach. Materials and Methods: The present “Prospective study” was carried out in 10 patients admitted to the Department Of Neurosurgery, NRSMCH, Kolkata with a clinicoradiological diagnosis of CPA tumor and were operated between Feruary 2016 to March 2017. Results: The maximum number of cases i.e 38.46%(n=5) were of 31 to 40 years of age. The male to female ratio was 0.3:1.The most common symptom were ipsilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and tinnitus, headache associated with papilloedema. The gross total resection was done in 84.61% cases u0026 subtotal done in 15.38% cases.CSF leakage was present in 23.07 % cases. Facial Nerve function of grade 1 was present in 53.84%. Out of all cases Grade 2 and grade 5 function was present in 1 patient. Grade 3u0026 Grade 4 dysfunction were present in 2 patients. Transient lower cranial nerve paresis was present in 46.15%.One patient expired in postoperatively. Conclusion: Ventriculo-peritoneal shunting followed by excision of tumor by retrosigmoid approach can bring good neurological outcome in patients with CPA tumors. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(4) 2017 44-49