Successful treatment of recurrent extracranial hypoglossal schwannoma using the neuroendoscopic transnasal far-medial approach

Abstract

Background: Extracranial hypoglossal schwannomas are rare, and transcranial skull base surgery can be challenging due to their proximity to the lower cranial nerves, jugular vein, vertebral artery, and carotid artery. The application of neuroendoscopic surgery for extracranial hypoglossal schwannomas has rarely been reported. Case Description: A 53-year-old woman previously underwent lateral suboccipital surgery for a hypoglossal schwannoma when she was 25 years old. The patient had experienced aggravated dysphagia over the past month. Radiological examination revealed a recurrent extracranial hypoglossal schwannoma invading the left side of the clivus. The neuroendoscopic transnasal far-medial approach was performed, and the recurrent schwannoma was completely removed without any significant perioperative complications or recurrence for 3 years. Conclusion: Our report highlights the usefulness of the neuroendoscopic transnasal far-medial approach for the removal of recurrent extracranial hypoglossal schwannomas. The neuroendoscopic approach offers a viable and less invasive alternative to traditional transcranial skull-base surgery, especially in complex cases involving critical anatomical structures. The reported case study underscores the potential of neuroendoscopic surgery as a valuable tool in managing challenging skull-base tumors.