Middle fossa acoustic tumor surgery: results in 106 cases.

Although the middle cranial fossa approach has been used less frequently in recent years than in the past, it continues to be a useful technique for the removal of small acoustic tumors with possible hearing preservation. The approach provides complete exposure of the contents of the internal auditory canal, thus allowing positive facial nerve identification and facilitating total tumor removal. This paper reports the results of 106 middle fossa acoustic tumor removals over a 25-year period. Measurable postoperative hearing remained in 59% of cases. In 89% of cases, normal or near-normal postoperative facial nerve function was obtained. Total tumor removal was achieved in 98% of cases. Preoperative selection criteria are discussed, and postoperative complications are reported.