Introduction: Trigeminal schwannomas (TSs) are the second most common type of intracranial schwannoma.
Surgical approaches are chosen depending on the type of tumor extension. The middle
fossa extradural approach, infratemporal extradural approach, transmaxillary approach,
transmandibular approach, and transcervical approach have been used. However, these
approaches are associated with a variety of complications including other cranial
nerve dysfunction. Recently, with the wide application of endoscopic technology, the
endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) seems to be an alternative skull base surgical
approach for skull base pathology.
Objective: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the safety endoscopic endonasal
approach for trigeminal schwannomas.
Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases following PRISMA guidelines.
We used single proportion analysis with 95% confidence intervals under a random-effects
model, I2 to assess heterogeneity, and Baujat and sensitivity analysis to address
high heterogeneity. Eligible studies included those with ≥3 patients treated with
an endoscopic endonasal approach for trigeminal schwannomas.
Results: From 2,550 initially identified studies, 8 were selected, involving 187 patients,
with a median follow-up of 36 months. The combined analysis showed a 5% (CI: 0–13%).
Conclusion: Based on these findings, our meta-analysis identified that the endonasal endoscopic
approach for the treatment of trigeminal schwannomas presents a low rate of complications.
