The transotic approach to resection of difficult acoustic tumors of the cerebellopontine angle.

The authors' experience with the transotic approach and permanent forward transposition of the facial nerve in resecting large acoustic tumors of the cerebellopontine angle in twelve patients is reported. Total removal was accomplished in all cases. A total facial nerve paralysis occurred in every case, with good return of function in all patients over a six-month postoperative period. The advantages and disadvantages of this technique are discussed. Two cases are reported in detail.