Effect of Anatomic Segment Involvement on Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Facial Nerve Schwannomas: An International Multicenter Cohort Study

Abstract BACKGROUND Facial nerve schwannomas are rare, challenging tumors to manage due to their nerve of origin. Functional outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are incompletely defined. OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of facial nerve segment involvement on functional outcome for these tumors. METHODS Patients who underwent single-session SRS for facial nerve schwannomas with at least 3 mo follow-up at 11 participating centers were included. Preoperative and treatment variables were recorded. Outcome measures included radiological tumor response and neurological function. RESULTS A total of 63 patients (34 females) were included in the present study. In total, 75% had preoperative facial weakness. Mean tumor volume and margin dose were 2.0 ± 2.4 cm3 and 12.2 ± 0.54 Gy, respectively. Mean radiological follow-up was 45.5 ± 38.9 mo. Progression-free survival at 2, 5, and 10 yr was 98.1%, 87.2%, and 87.2%, respectively. The cumulative proportion of patients with regressing tumors at 2, 5, and 10 yr was 43.1%, 63.6%, and 63.6%, respectively. The number of involved facial nerve segments significantly predicted tumor progression (P = .04). Facial nerve function was stable or improved in 57 patients (90%). Patients with involvement of the labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve were significantly more likely to have an improvement in facial nerve function after SRS (P = .03). Hearing worsened in at least 6% of patients. Otherwise, adverse radiation effects included facial twitching (3 patients), facial numbness (2 patients), and dizziness (2 patients). CONCLUSION SRS for facial nerve schwannomas is effective and spares facial nerve function in most patients. Some patients may have functional improvement after treatment, particularly if the labyrinthine segment is involved.

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Gamma Knife radiosurgery for facial nerve schwannomas: a multicenter study

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2014.11.jns141160 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 123 (2) ◽

pp. 387-394 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jason P. Sheehan ◽

Hideyuki Kano ◽

Zhiyuan Xu ◽

Veronica Chiang ◽

David Mathieu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽

Gamma Knife ◽

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽

Rank Test ◽

Tumor Control ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Facial Nerve Function ◽

Log Rank Test

OBJECT Facial nerve schwannomas (FNSs) are rare intracranial tumors, and the optimal management of these tumors remains unclear. Resection can be undertaken, but the tumor’s intimate association with the facial nerve makes resection with neurological preservation quite challenging. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used to treat FNSs, and this study evaluates the outcome of this approach. METHODS At 8 medical centers participating in the North American Gamma Knife Consortium (NAGKC), 42 patients undergoing SRS for an FNS were identified, and clinical and radiographic data were obtained for these cases. Males outnumbered females at a ratio of 1.2:1, and the patients’ median age was 48 years (range 11–76 years). Prior resection was performed in 36% of cases. The mean tumor volume was 1.8 cm3, and a mean margin dose of 12.5 Gy (range 11–15 Gy) was delivered to the tumor. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 28 months, tumor control was achieved in 36 (90%) of the 40 patients with reliable radiographic follow-up. Actuarial tumor control was 97%, 97%, 97%, and 90% at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years postradiosurgery. Preoperative facial nerve function was preserved in 38 of 42 patients, with 60% of evaluable patients having House-Brackmann scores of 1 or 2 at last follow-up. Treated patients with a House-Brackmann score of 1 to 3 were more likely to demonstrate this level of facial nerve function at last evaluation (OR 6.09, 95% CI 1.7–22.0, p = 0.006). Avoidance of temporary or permanent neurological symptoms was more likely to be achieved in patients who received a tumor margin dose of 12.5 Gy or less (log-rank test, p = 0.024) delivered to a tumor of ≤ 1 cm3 in volume (log-rank test, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Stereotactic radiosurgery resulted in tumor control and neurological preservation in most FNS patients. When the tumor is smaller and the patient exhibits favorable normal facial nerve function, SRS portends a better result. The authors believe that early, upfront SRS may be the treatment of choice for small FNSs, but it is an effective salvage treatment for residual/recurrent tumor that remain or progress after resection.

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Long-term outcomes of patients with primary or residual vestibular schwannoma treated with LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery: a single-centre experience

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice ◽

10.1017/s1460396920000588 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Patricia Sebastian ◽

Subhashini John ◽

Jebakarunya Reddy ◽

Sunitha Susan Varghese ◽

Harshad Arvind Vanjare ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽

Response To Treatment ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Facial Nerve Function ◽

Tumour Control ◽

Prior Surgery ◽

Facial Function

Abstract Aim: Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign slow-growing tumours treated either with microsurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or both. The aim of this study was to correlate the outcome factors—tumour control and adverse factors—facial nerve function and hearing loss with patient and treatment factors. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of the records of 98 patients with 99 VS treated from June 2007 to June 2014, all patients receiving Linear Accelerator (LINAC)-based SRS. Results: Median follow-up period was 5·6 years (range: 1–12 years). The response to treatment was stable disease in 37 (37·4%), regression in 46 (46·5%), asymptomatic minimal progression in 9 (9·1%) and symptomatic progression in 5 (5%) and unknown in 2 (2%) patients. There was no evidence of SRS induced tissue damage on magnetic resonance scans for any. Hearing preservation rate after SRS was 92%. The patients who developed worsening of facial function were predominantly in the cohort that had prior surgery. Findings: SRS is an effective modality to treat VS lesser than 3 cm in size. Tumour control rate was 95% with a median follow-up period of 5·6 years. The complication rates were 8% each for facial function worsening and worsening of hearing. Prior surgery was a statistically significant factor that affected facial nerve function deterioration.

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Long-term safety and efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannomas: evaluation of 440 patients more than 10 years after treatment with Gamma Knife surgery

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2012.10.jns12523 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 118 (3) ◽

pp. 557-565 ◽

Cited By ~ 109

Author(s):

Toshinori Hasegawa ◽

Yoshihisa Kida ◽

Takenori Kato ◽

Hiroshi Iizuka ◽

Shunichiro Kuramitsu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽

Radiation Effects ◽

Dose Group ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Cyst Formation ◽

Free Survival ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Facial Numbness

Object Little is known about long-term outcomes, including tumor control and adverse radiation effects, in patients harboring vestibular schwannomas (VSs) treated with stereotactic radiosurgery > 10 years previously. The aim of this study was to confirm whether Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for VSs continues to be safe and effective > 10 years after treatment. Methods A total of 440 patients with VS (including neurofibromatosis Type 2) treated with GKS between May 1991 and December 2000 were evaluable. Of these, 347 patients (79%) underwent GKS as an initial treatment and 93 (21%) had undergone prior resection. Three hundred fifty-eight patients (81%) had a solid tumor and 82 (19%) had a cystic tumor. The median tumor volume was 2.8 cm3 and the median marginal dose was 12.8 Gy. Results The median follow-up period was 12.5 years. The actuarial 5- and ≥ 10-year progression-free survival was 93% and 92%, respectively. No patient developed treatment failure > 10 years after treatment. According to multivariate analysis, significant factors related to worse progression-free survival included brainstem compression with a deviation of the fourth ventricle (p < 0.0001), marginal dose ≤ 13 Gy (p = 0.01), prior treatment (p = 0.02), and female sex (p = 0.02). Of 287 patients treated at a recent optimum dose of ≤ 13 Gy, 3 (1%) developed facial palsy, including 2 with transient palsy and 1 with persistent palsy after a second GKS, and 3 (1%) developed facial numbness, including 2 with transient and 1 with persistent facial numbness. The actuarial 10-year facial nerve preservation rate was 97% in the high marginal dose group (> 13 Gy) and 100% in the low marginal dose group (≤ 13 Gy). Ten patients (2.3%) developed delayed cyst formation. One patient alone developed malignant transformation, indicating an incidence of 0.3%. Conclusions In this study GKS was a safe and effective treatment for the majority of patients followed > 10 years after treatment. Special attention should be paid to cyst formation and malignant transformation as late adverse radiation effects, although they appeared to be rare. However, it is necessary to collect further long-term follow-up data before making conclusions about the long-term safety and efficacy of GKS, especially for young patients with VSs.

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Safety and Efficacy of Hypo fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Facial Nerve Schwannoma.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-897884/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nida Fatima ◽

Anna La Dine ◽

Zachary R Barnard ◽

Katherine Ko ◽

Kevin Peng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽

Radiation Effects ◽

Local Tumor Control ◽

Tumor Control ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Local Tumor ◽

Nerve Preservation ◽

Fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Abstract Purpose In the current era of modern neurosurgery, the treatment strategies have been shifted to “nerve-preservation approaches” for achieving a higher facial and hearing function preservation rate following facial nerve tumors. We have conducted this novel report on determining the outcome of patients with facial nerve schwannomas (FNS) treated with hypo fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (hfSRS). Methods Retrospective chart review of a prospectively maintained database search was conducted. Patients who underwent hfSRS CyberKnife (Accuray Inc, Sunnyvale, California., USA) for FNS were included. Outcomes consisted of tumor control, facial and hearing nerve function as graded by House-Brackmann (HB) and Gardner-Robertson scale, and adverse radiation effects. SPSS 23 was used to perform statistical analysis. Results With an institutional board review approval, we retrospectively identified 5 patients with FNS [4 intracranial (80%) and 1 extracranial (20%)] treated with hfSRS (2011–2019). Patients received definitive SRS in 3 patients (60.0%) wile adjuvant to surgical resection in 2 patients (40.0%). A median tumor volume of 7.5 cm3 (range, 1.5–19.6 cm3) received a median prescription dose of 23.2 Gy (range, 21–25 Gy) administered in median of 3 fractions (range, 3–5 session). With a median radiographic follow-up of 31.4 months (range, 13.0–71.0 months) and clinical follow-up of 32.6 months (range, 15.1–72.0 months), the local tumor control was 100.0%. At last clinical follow-up, the facial nerve function improved or remained unchanged HB I-II in 80.0% of the patients, while the hearing nerve function improved or remained stable in 100.0% (Gardner-Robertson I-II) of the patients. Temporary clinical toxicity was seen in 3 patients (60.0%) which resolved. None of the patient developed adverse radiation effect. Conclusion hfSRS in FNS is safe and efficacious in terms of local tumor control, improved facial and hearing nerve function, and very low incidence of complications.

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Sporadic unilateral vestibular schwannoma in the pediatric population

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2009.3.peds08434 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 125-129 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Brian P. Walcott ◽

Ganesh Sivarajan ◽

Bronislava Bashinskaya ◽

Douglas E. Anderson ◽

John P. Leonetti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Tumor Size ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Neurofibromatosis Type ◽

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Facial Nerve Function ◽

Duration Of Symptoms

Object Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are rare in the pediatric population. Most often, these lesions manifest as a bilateral disease process in the setting of neurofibromatosis Type 2. Even in the absence of additional clinical diagnostic criteria, the presentation of a unilateral VS in a young patient may be a harbinger of future penetrance for this hereditary tumor syndrome. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of a cohort of 7 patients who presented with apparently sporadic, unilateral VSs. These patients had previously undergone surgery via translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, or combined approaches. Clinical outcomes were reviewed with emphasis on facial nerve function and follow-up for signs and symptoms of a heritable disorder. Results All patients underwent microsurgical resection in a multidisciplinary effort by the senior authors. The average tumor size was 4.57 cm, with an average duration of symptoms prior to definitive diagnosis of 31.2 months. The tumor size at the time of presentation followed a trend different from reports in adults, while the duration of symptoms did not. At a follow-up average of 6.3 years (range 1–12 years), 100% of patients demonstrated good facial function (House-Brackmann Grade I or II). No patient in this cohort demonstrated symptoms, objective signs, or genetic analysis indicating the presence of neurofibromatosis Type 2. Conclusions Diagnosis and management of sporadic, unilateral VSs in children is complicated by clinical presentations and surgical challenges unique from their adult counterparts. Careful consideration should be given to a heritable genetic basis for sporadic unilateral VS in the pediatric population. Results of genetic testing do not preclude the necessity for long-term follow-up and systemic investigation. In patients who present with large tumors, preliminary experience leads the authors to suggest that a combined retrosigmoid-translabyrinthine approach offers the greatest opportunity for preservation of facial nerve function.

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Middle Fossa Approach for Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas: A Decade of Experience

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opy126 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 147-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer A Kosty ◽

Shawn M Stevens ◽

Yair M Gozal ◽

Vincent A DiNapoli ◽

Smruti K Patel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Tumor Size ◽

Pure Tone ◽

Vestibular Schwannomas ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Facial Nerve Function ◽

Pure Tone Average ◽

Class A ◽

The Mean

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach is a challenging surgical technique for the resection of small and intermediate sized, primarily intracanalicular, vestibular schwannomas (VS), with the goal of hearing preservation (HP).OBJECTIVETo describe a decade-long, single institutional experience with the MCF approach for resection of VS.METHODSThis is a retrospective cohort study of 63 patients who underwent the MCF approach for resection of VS from 2006 to 2016. Audiometric data included pure-tone average (PTA), low-tone pure-tone average (LtPTA), word recognition score, and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) hearing classification at presentation and follow-up. Patients with postoperative serviceable (AAO-HNS class A-B) and/or useful (AAO-HNS class A-C) hearing were compared to those without HP. Facial nerve function was assessed using the House–Brackmann scale.RESULTSThe mean age and duration of follow-up were 50 ± 13 yr and 21 ± 21 mo, respectively. The mean tumor size was 10 ± 4 mm. The serviceable and usable HP rates were 54% and 50%, respectively. Some residual hearing was preserved in 71% of patients. Large tumor size (P = .05), volume (P = .03), and extrameatal tumor extension (P = .03) were associated with poor audiometric outcomes. The presence of a fundal fluid cap (P = .01) was a favorable finding. At definitive testing, LtPTA was significantly better preserved than traditional PTA (P = .01). Facial nerve outcomes, tumor control rates, and durability of audiometric outcomes were excellent. 47% of patients pursued aural rehabilitation.CONCLUSIONIn our series, the MCF approach for VS provided excellent rates of tumor and facial nerve function, with durable serviceable HP.

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Outcome After Microsurgery for Meningiomas Involving the Internal Auditory Canal

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0b013e3181efe412 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 67 (5) ◽

pp. 1236-1242 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Kajetan L von Eckardstein ◽

Colin L W Driscoll ◽

Michael J Link

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Internal Auditory Canal ◽

Entire Group ◽

Surgical Removal ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Canal Wall ◽

Facial Nerve Function ◽

Clinical Exam ◽

Hearing Outcomes

Abstract BACKGROUND: The subset of patients suffering from meningiomas truly originating in or extending into the internal auditory canal is not well described in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative facial motor and hearing outcomes in patients undergoing resection of meningiomas originating in or extending into the internal auditory canal. METHODS: Chart reviews were done of 19 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for meningiomas originating in or extending into the internal auditory canal at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, with emphasis on clinical exam and audiometry. RESULTS: Median follow-up for the entire group was 29 months. Seventy-four percent of patients had stable facial nerve function. One patient experienced improvement. Postoperative cochlear nerve function was unchanged in 74% of patients and worsened in 21% of patients. One patient with a sudden preoperative hearing loss improved to full hearing at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Every attempt should be made to preserve hearing and facial motor function in surgical removal of posterior fossa meningiomas that originate in or extend into the internal auditory canal. Normal or nearly normal facial nerve function can be preserved in 88% of patients presenting with normal facial nerve function; serviceable hearing can be preserved in 92% of patients who present with normal hearing. A standard retrosigmoid craniotomy with drilling of the posterior canal wall of the internal auditory canal worked well in the majority of cases.

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Safety and Efficacy of Hypo Fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Facial Nerve Schwannoma: a Single Institution Retrospective Case Series

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1153892/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nida Fatima ◽

Anna La Dine ◽

Zachary R Barnard ◽

Katherine Ko ◽

Kevin Peng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽

Case Series ◽

Local Tumor Control ◽

Tumor Control ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Local Tumor ◽

Nerve Preservation ◽

Fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Abstract Background: In the current era of modern neurosurgery, the treatment strategies have been shifted to “nerve-preservation approaches” for achieving a higher facial and hearing function preservation rate following facial nerve tumors.Objective: We have conducted this novel report on determining the outcome of patients with facial nerve schwannomas (FNS) treated with hypo fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (hfSRS).Methods: Retrospective chart review of a prospectively maintained database search was conducted. Patients who underwent hfSRS CyberKnife (Accuray Inc, Sunnyvale, California., USA) for FNS were included. Outcomes consisted of tumor control, facial and hearing nerve function as graded by House-Brackmann (HB) and Gardner-Robertson scale, and adverse radiation effects. SPSS 23 was used to perform statistical analysis.Results: With an institutional board review approval, we retrospectively identified 5 patients with FNS [4 intracranial (80%) and 1 extracranial (20%)] treated with hfSRS (2011-2019). Patients received definitive SRS in 3 patients (60.0%) wile adjuvant to surgical resection in 2 patients (40.0%). A median tumor volume of 7.5 cm3 (range, 1.5-19.6 cm3) received a median prescription dose of 23.2 Gy (range, 21-25 Gy) administered in median of 3 fractions (range, 3-5 session). With a median radiographic follow-up of 31.4 months (range, 13.0-71.0 months) and clinical follow-up of 32.6 months (range, 15.1-72.0 months), the local tumor control was 100.0%. At last clinical follow-up, the facial nerve function improved or remained unchanged HB I-II in 80.0% of the patients, while the hearing nerve function improved or remained stable in 100.0% (Gardner-Robertson I-II) of the patients. Temporary clinical toxicity was seen in 3 patients (60.0%) which resolved. None of the patient developed adverse radiation effect.Conclusion: From our case series, hfSRS in FNS seems to be safe and efficacious in terms of local tumor control, and improved facial and hearing nerve function.

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Retreatment of vestibular schwannomas with Gamma Knife surgery

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/jns/2008/109/12/s22 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 109 (Supplement) ◽

pp. 144-148 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Sheri Dewan ◽

Georg Norén

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

New England ◽

Gamma Knife ◽

Radiation Effects ◽

Gamma Knife Surgery ◽

Vestibular Schwannomas ◽

Tumor Control ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Facial Nerve Function ◽

Proton Beam Radiotherapy

Object The response rate of vestibular schwannomas (VSs) to radiosurgery has reached the 97% level in several published series. When failure rarely occurs, some controversy has existed as to whether the tumor has to be resected or can be safely retreated with radiosurgery. The authors retrospectively studied the outcome of retreating 11 patients with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS). Methods The authors studied 11 patients at the New England Gamma Knife Center who had undergone GKS as a second radiosurgical treatment for VS from 1994 to 2007. One patient underwent proton-beam radiotherapy as the first treatment, and the other 10 patients had undergone GKS initially. Tumor control (size before and after the first and the second treatment) was evaluated using MR imaging to demonstrate the course after the 2 treatments. Facial nerve function (House–Brackmann grading system), trigeminal nerve function, hearing (Gardner–Robertson classification), and any adverse radiation effects were evaluated. The prescription dose was 12 Gy (11–13.2 Gy) for both treatments. Results Of the 11 patients, 2 showed increase, 1 had no change, and, in 8, the VS decreased in size after the retreatment. One tumor remained unchanged over the first 6 months, but demonstrated signs of internal necrosis. All patients demonstrated stable facial nerve function. Regarding facial numbness, 2 patients experienced increases, 8 no change, and 1 decreased numbness. There was no functional hearing prior to the second treatment in 10 patients, and hearing was impaired in 1 patient. Adverse radiation effects (slight peduncular edema) were seen in 2 patients after the second treatment, and 1 patient had edema after the first treatment as well. Conclusions Vestibular schwannomas can be retreated with GKS with good tumor control response and low risk of toxicity.

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Near Total Versus Gross Total Resection of Large Vestibular Schwannomas: Facial Nerve Outcome

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opaa056 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 414-421

Author(s):

Julia R Schneider ◽

Amrit K Chiluwal ◽

Orseola Arapi ◽

Kevin Kwan ◽

Amir R Dehdashti

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Vestibular Schwannomas ◽

Primary Data ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Facial Nerve Function ◽

Total Resection

Abstract BACKGROUND Large vestibular schwannomas (VSs) with brainstem compression are generally reserved for surgical resection. Surgical aggressiveness must be balanced with morbidity from cranial nerve injury. The purpose of the present investigation is to evaluate the clinical presentation, management modality, and patient outcomes following near total resection (NTR) vs gross total resection (GTR) of large VSs. OBJECTIVE To assess facial nerve outcome differences between GTR and NTR patient cohorts. METHODS Between January 2010 and March 2018, a retrospective chart review was completed to capture patients continuously who had VSs with Hannover grades T4a and T4b. NTR was decided upon intraoperatively. Primary data points were collected, including preoperative symptoms, tumor size, extent of resection, and postoperative neurological outcome. RESULTS A total of 37 patients underwent surgery for treatment of large and giant (grade 4a and 4b) VSs. Facial nerve integrity was preserved in 36 patients (97%) at the completion of surgery. A total of 27 patients underwent complete resection, and 10 had near total (>95%) resection. Among patients with GTR, 78% (21/27) had House-Brackmann (HB) grade I-II facial nerve function at follow-up, whereas 100% (10/10) of the group with NTR had HB grade I-II facial nerve function. Risk of meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and sinus thromboses were not statistically different between the 2 groups. There was no stroke, brainstem injury, or death. The mean follow-up was 36 mo. CONCLUSION NTR seems to offer a benefit in terms of facial nerve functional outcome compared to GTR in surgical management of large VSs without significant risk of recurrence.

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