New Technique for Surgery of Petrous Apex Cholesterol Granuloma

ABSTRACT

The authors present a new technique for surgery of cholesterol granuloma (CG) at the petrous apex. An epidural middle fossa approach is used to expose and remove the cyst, with silicon tube drainage into the sphenoid sinus via the anterolateral cavernous sinus triangle between the first and second divisions of the trigeminal nerve. This novel method is less invasive skull base approach to the petrous apex and very effective for minimizing recurrence of CGs within the petrous apex.