Figure 8-17.
Step 3. After the tumor has been debulked, a small ball tip or similar dissector is used to dissect the cranial nerves off the tumor capsule. The lower cranial nerves usually can be swept off in a sheath of arachnoid. Dissecting the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves off the tumor capsule must be done with care. During this dissection, it is important to press against the tumor capsule instead of against the nerves. 305 Neurosurgery Books