Anticipating Facial Nerve Position Using Three-Dimensional Tractography During the Preoperative Assessment of Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors.

Objective: We aim to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative facial nerve tractography in determining the facial nerve position in cerebellopontine angle tumor resection and its value in helping to preserve facial nerve function during surgery.

Methods: A prospective study was designed to include patients presenting with cerebellopontine angle tumors. Three-dimensional reconstruction of facial nerve tractography was performed and added to the usual preoperative testing in all patients.