Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the facial nerve in inferior and lateral (transmastoid) approaches to
the jugular foramen and/or petrous apex.
Design Retrospective study of 11 consecutive patients operated for lesions in the jugular
foramen/petrous apex via an inferior or lateral transpetrosal approach.
Setting Tertiary care superspecialty referral center.
Participants Eleven consecutive patients of jugular foramen/petrous apex lesions operated over
a period of 18 months.
Main Outcomes Measures Extent of tumor resection, surgical technique used, and recovery of facial nerve
function postoperatively.
Conclusion Approach to these lesions needs to be tailored to the extent of disease, possible
histology and relation to the facial nerve. Meticulous surgery and adequate postoperative
care permit a satisfactory recovery of facial nerve function following rerouting procedures.
Keywords
facial nerve - jugular foramen - petrous apex
