The transcochlear approach revisited.

Objective: To evaluate the indications for, techniques used in, and patient outcomes after surgery with the transcochlear approach in the treatment of petroclival tumors.

Methods: Retrospective review of 24 cases between 1985 and 1995 at the House Ear Clinic (Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.).

Results: Meningioma was the most common tumor. Complete removal was achieved in 82% of tumors after one-or two-stage surgeries (average follow-up time, 36 months). The second-stage surgery was a middle fossa transpetrous approach. Most patients had some degree of facial nerve dysfunction immediately after surgery, and 12 of 20 patients subsequently improved to House-Brackmann Grade III or better. Fifty-nine percent of patients had permanent neurologic sequelae because of either the surgery or their disease.

Conclusion: The transcochlear approach is best suited to treating petroclival intradural tumors that extend ventrally to the brainstem in patients without serviceable hearing. Temporary facial weakness is expected as a result of posterior facial nerve transposition.