Abstract
EAMIRSA is a surgical technique that can be used for the treatment of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and internal auditory canal (IAC) diseases, as well as for treating schwannoma, for decompression surgeries (e.g., loops of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)), and for the vestibular neurectomy in patients with invalidating vertigo. This technique combines the use of an endoscope and a microscope; the former allows a perfect view of the surgical area (CPA, IAC, and brain structures) and the latter ensures safety of the surgery maneuvers. The use of a minimally invasive approach reduces post-surgery headaches and the risk of a Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak. Our group successfully used EAMIRSA during decompression procedures for treating a hemi-facial spasm and tinnitus. Results were satisfactory in terms of function recovery. Sequelae and surgical complications were observed in less than 1% of patients. In acoustic schwannoma surgery, facial nerve damage was observed in less than 1% of cases and the recurrence rate was 0.3%. This article describes the material necessary for performing EAMIRSA and illustrates the technique using a step-by-step cadaver dissection.
