Jugular Foramen Schwannomas: Single Institutional Experience of 28 Cases

Background: Jugular foramen schwannomas are rare. Only a couple of series involving a large number of cases have been reported.

Objective: In the present study, we aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, surgical approaches, and outcomes for patients undergoing treatment for jugular foramen schwannomas via retrospective analysis of departmental records.

Methods: Data for 28 patients treated for jugular foramen schwannomas in the Department of Neurosurgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences between January 2001 and December 2010 were analyzed.

Results: Most patients were in the fourth decade of life, with the duration of symptoms ranging from 1 month to 13 years. A skull base approach was used in every surgically treated case. Of the 19 patients for whom radiological follow-up data were available, complete tumor excision was achieved in 17 cases. Follow- up ranged from 3 months to 59 months (mean, 32 months). One patient died and three had permanent morbidity in the form of facial nerve palsy.

Conclusion: We conclude that jugular foramen schwannomas are best treated by total surgical resection, which yields acceptable results with low rates of mortality and permanent morbidity.