Is Preoperative Facial Palsy a Deterrent to Facial Nerve Preservation after Gross-Total Removal of Giant Vestibular Schwannomas?

Abstract

Background Although rare in small vestibular schwannomas, preoperative facial nerve paresis is often present in giant schwannomas. Preserving facial nerve function in these cases remains a herculean task. This study evaluates the facial functions after complete tumor removal and whether preoperative facial nerve involvement affects postoperative functional status.

Keywords

• giant vestibular schwannomas
• facial palsy
• facial nerve preservation