Long term results after extended middle fossa surgery for intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma

Abstract

Aim of the study: To show the clinical outcome in patients with sporadic intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma (VS) removed by the extended middle cranial fossa approach (EMCF). Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty-two patients with intracanalicular VS were identified in a database, with a minimal follow-up of 12 months. Results: Complete VS removal was achieved in 151 of 152 patients. None of the patients who had been suffering from vertigo preoperatively had experienced vertigo attacks following the surgery. We were able to save functional hearing in 58 % of the patients who had preoperative class A or B hearing (N=146) according to the AAO-HNS classification. Postoperative normal or near-normal facial nerve outcome was achieved in 96 % of the patients. Conclusion: Patients with an intracanalicular VS should be referred to the specialized otoneurologic center where all treatment options should be offered and explained to the patient. Our results of the 152 patients show that with surgery, functional hearing and normal or near-normal facial nerve function can be achieved in 58% and 96 % of cases, respectively, which is comparable to the leading international centres.

Keywords

• neuroma
• acoustic – surgery; craniotomy – methods; ear