Optimal Surgical Approach for the Dumbbell-Shaped Trigeminal Schwannoma

ABSTRACT Dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannoma afflicts the middle and posterior cranial fossa. Surgical approach for gross total resection remains highly challenging. The authors present a case of dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannoma treated successfully by using frontotemporal intradural approach with the removal of temporal pole. Subtotal resection was achieved as the schwannoma was closely adhered to trigeminal nerve. As a postoperative complication, abducens paralysis recovered significantly within the 3-month follow-up. No severe complication was observed. The authors suggest that frontotemporal intradural approach is optimal surgical approach as it is particularly convenient and safe.