[Serious complications of the microvascular decompression in cerebellopontine angle].
OBJECTIVE
To report the serious complications of microvascular decompression and (or) selective neurectomy in cerebellopontine angle.


METHODS
To review 322 cases of microvascular decompression and (or) facial nerve splitting, selective neurectomy for hemifacial spasm, trigeminal neuralgia and glossopharyngeal neuralgia respectively. Among 322 cases, hemifacial spasm 164, which 96 underwent facial nerve splitting, 68 underwent microvascular decompression and facial nerve splitting. The selective neurectomy and neurectomy were performed in 128 cases of trigeminal neuralgia and 30 cases for glossopharyngeal neuralgia respectively.


RESULTS
Of the serious complications 2 died (0.6%), The mild to severe hearing impairment occurred in 21 cases (6.5%), in which 3 cases presented total hearing loss (0. 9%); Postoperative cerebellospinal leakage in 20 (6. 2%).


CONCLUSIONS
It was demonstrated that, even though the microvascular decompression and /or neurectomy was a safe procedure for posterior neuropathy, mortal and serious complications might occur. It was essential to pay great attention to the entire decompression procedure in avoiding cerebellar injury. Using of intraoperative ABR and avoiding of impairment of the acoustic nerve might contribute to the prevention of the postoperative hearing loss.
Wang
Hai-Bo
HB
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Province Hospital, Jinan 250021, China. sdwanghb@yahoo.com.cn
Fan
Zhao-Min
ZM
Han
Jie
J
Li
Ke-Yi
KY
Fan
Zhong
Z
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002530:Cerebellopontine Angle / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications