Improved preservation of hearing and facial nerve function in vestibular schwannoma surgery via the retrosigmoid approach in a series of 200 patients

2006 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 527-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Venelin Gerganov ◽  
Amir Samii
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Neurological Status ◽  
Retrosigmoid Approach ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Permanent Morbidity

Object The aim of this study was to evaluate and present the results of current surgical treatment of vestibular schwannomas (VSs) and to report the refinements in the operative technique. Methods The authors performed a retrospective study of 200 consecutive patients who had undergone VS surgery over a 3-year period. Patient records, operative reports, follow-up data, and neuroradiological findings were analyzed. The main outcome measures were magnetic resonance imaging, neurological status, patient complaints, and surgical complications. Complete tumor removal was achieved in 98% of patients. Anatomical preservation of the facial nerve was possible in 98.5% of patients. In patients treated for tumors with extension Classes T1, T2, and T3, the rate of facial nerve preservation was 100%. By the last follow-up examination, excellent or good facial nerve function had been achieved in 81% of the cases. By at least 1 year postsurgery, no patients had total facial palsy. In the patients with preserved hearing, the rate of anatomical preservation of the cochlear nerve was 84%. The overall rate of functional hearing preservation was 51%. There was no surgery-related permanent morbidity in this series of patients. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was diagnosed in 2% of the patients. The mortality rate was 0%. Conclusions The goal of VS treatment should be total removal in one stage and preservation of neurological function, as they determine a patient’s quality of life. This goal can be safely and successfully achieved using the retrosigmoid approach.

Medial acoustic neuromas: clinical and surgical implications

2014 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. 1095-1104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian F. Dunn ◽  
Wenya Linda Bi ◽  
Kadir Erkmen ◽  
Paulo A. S. Kadri ◽  
David Hasan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Maximum Diameter ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Class A ◽  
Acoustic Neuromas ◽  
Facial Function

Object Medial acoustic neuroma is a rare entity that confers a distinct clinical syndrome. It is scarcely discussed in the literature and is associated with adverse features. This study evaluates the clinical and imaging features, pertinent surgical challenges, and treatment outcome in a large series of this variant. The authors postulate that the particular pathological anatomy with its arachnoidal rearrangement has a profound implication on the surgical technique and outcome. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 52 cases involving 33 women and 19 men who underwent resection of medial acoustic neuromas performed by the senior author (O.A.) over a 20-year period (1993–2013). Clinical, radiological, and operative records were reviewed, with a specific focus on the neurological outcomes and facial nerve function and hearing preservation. Intraoperative findings were analyzed with respect to the effect of arachnoidal arrangement on the surgeon's ability to resect the lesion and the impact on postoperative function. Results The average tumor size was 34.5 mm (maximum diameter), with over 90% of tumors being 25 mm or larger and 71% being cystic. Cerebellar, trigeminal nerve, and facial nerve dysfunction were common preoperative findings. Hydrocephalus was present in 11 patients. Distinguishing intraoperative findings included marked tumor adherence to the brainstem and frequent hypervascularity, which prompted intracapsular dissection resulting in enhancement on postoperative MRI in 18 cases, with only 3 demonstrating growth on follow-up. There was no mortality or major postoperative neurological deficit. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was encountered in 7 patients, with 4 requiring surgical repair. Among 45 patients who had intact preoperative facial function, only 1 had permanent facial nerve paralysis on extended follow-up. Of the patients with preoperative Grade I–II facial function, 87% continued to have Grade I–II function on follow-up. Of 10 patients who had Class A hearing preoperatively, 5 continued to have Class A or B hearing after surgery. Conclusions Medial acoustic neuromas represent a rare subgroup whose site of origin and growth patterns produce a distinct clinical presentation and present specific operative challenges. They reach giant size and are frequently cystic and hypervascular. Their origin and growth pattern lead to arachnoidal rearrangement with marked adherence against the brainstem, which is critical in the surgical management. Excellent surgical outcome is achievable with a high rate of facial nerve function and attainable hearing preservation. These results suggest that similar or better results may be achieved in less complex tumors.

Durability of hearing preservation after microsurgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma using the middle cranial fossa approach

2013 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony C. Wang ◽  
Steven B. Chinn ◽  
Khoi D. Than ◽  
H. Alexander Arts ◽  
Steven A. Telian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Class A ◽  
Class D ◽  
Class B ◽  
Class C

Object The middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach is a microsurgical technique described as a primary option in the treatment of small, intracanalicular schwannomas involving the eighth cranial nerve. Excellent rates of complete tumor resection, hearing preservation, preservation of facial nerve function, and low complication rates have been reproduced using this technique. However, the durability of hearing preservation attained using the various treatment options has not been adequately assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the durability of long-term hearing preservation in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) treated via the MCF approach. The authors hypothesize that hearing preservation in these patients will prove to be durable years after treatment in a high percentage of cases. Methods Retrospective medical chart review was performed in 103 consecutive patients undergoing resection of VS via a modified MCF approach between 1999 and 2008. Patients in whom surgical goals were gross-total resection and hearing preservation were included. Preoperative and postoperative hearing assessment was performed using standard audiometric testing, and classified according to American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) guidelines as a primary outcome measure. Outcomes and neurological complications initially, and at 1, 3, and 5 years following operation were analyzed. Results Initial hearing preservation rates were in keeping with the best previously published results. At initial postoperative audiometric follow-up, of the patients presenting with Class A hearing, 67% remained Class A, 17% were Class B, 1% were Class C, and 15% were Class D. Of patients presenting with Class B hearing, 24% were Class A, 53% remained Class B, 6% were Class C, and 18% were Class D. Of patients presenting with Class C hearing, 100% remained Class C. To assess the durability of hearing preservation in our patients, the authors evaluated hearing function at regular intervals after the initial postoperative audiometric follow-up. Audiometric data were available for 56 patients at 5-year follow-up. Of the 20 patients with Class A hearing at initial postoperative follow-up with 5-year follow-up, 13 (65%) remained Class A, 6 (30%) were Class B, and 1 (5%) was Class C. Of the 12 patients with Class B hearing at initial postoperative follow-up with 5-year follow-up, 4 (33%) were Class A, 4 (33%) remained Class B, and 4 (33%) were Class C. Of the 3 patients with Class C hearing at initial postoperative follow-up with 5-year follow-up, all 3 (100%) remained Class C. Conclusions A majority of patients with preserved hearing following the MCF approach for treatment of VS experience durability of their preserved hearing at 5-year follow-up. The initial AAO-HNS classification was preserved in 13 (65%) of the 20 patients who had Class A hearing at 5 years, and in 8 (67%) of the 12 who had Class B hearing at 5 years. Overall, a decline in AAO-HNS classification was noted in 15% of patients with preserved Class A hearing, and in 33% of those with preserved Class B hearing. Facial nerve function was preserved in 91% of cases. Superior hearing preservation as well as good outcomes in facial nerve function and few serious complications can be accomplished using the MCF approach for resection of small VSs.

scholarly journals Extra-Arachnoidal Dissection for Excision of Giant Vestibular Schwannomas: Improved Facial Nerve Preservation

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil K Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Vestibular Schwannomas ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Total Excision ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Group A ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Group B

Abstract INTRODUCTION Surgical excision of giant vestibular schwannomas with preservation of facial nerve function remains a challenge. A modified surgical technique using an extra-arachnoid plane of dissection and limited meatal drilling is described here with the goal of improving the rated of functional preservation of facial nerve. METHODS The clinical material was analyzed for two groups: Group A patients of giant vestibular schwannomas operated between 2002 and 2009 with the “standard” surgical technique, Group B- patients of giant vestibular schwannomas operated between 2009 and 2015 using the new technique of pure extra-arachnoid dissection and limited meatal drilling. RESULTS Group A: Of the 115 patients in this group, total excision was possible in 103 (89.5%), near total excision in 7 (6%) and partial excision in 5 (4.3%) patients. Anatomical preservation of 7th nerve was achieved in 87.8% of patients. House and Brackman grade 1 and grade 2 facial nerve function was present in 68 (59.1%) patients, grade 3 in 10 (8.7%), grades 4 and 5 in 11 (9.6%), and 26 (22.6%) had grade 6 facial nerve involvement. Group B: Of the 127 patients operated by this technique, details and long term follow-up was available for 98 patients. Total excision was achieved in 70 (71.4%) patients, near total excision in 9 (9.2%), and subtotal excision in 19 (19.4%) cases. Four patients had repeat surgery and 14 patients underwent gamma knife radiosurgery. At follow-up, 78 (79.5%) patients had grade 1 and 2 facial nerve involvement, while 20 (20.4%) patients continued to have a poor function (grade 3-5). CONCLUSION Extra-arachnoid dissection and limited meatal drilling resulted in an improved rate of functional facial nerve preservation.

scholarly journals Retrosigmoid approach for giant cystic vestibular schwannoma: subperineural dissection technique for facial nerve preservation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. V7
Author(s):  
Ali Tayebi Meybodi ◽  
Robert W. Jyung ◽  
James K. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Thin Layer ◽  
Vestibular Schwannoma ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Retrosigmoid Approach ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Dissection Technique

In this illustrative video, the authors demonstrate retrosigmoid resection of a giant cystic vestibular schwannoma using the subperineural dissection technique to preserve facial nerve function. This thin layer of perineurium arising from the vestibular nerves is used as a protective buffer to shield the facial and cochlear nerves from direct microdissection trauma. A near-total resection was achieved, and the patient had an immediate postoperative House-Brackmann grade I facial nerve function. The operative nuances and pearls of technique for safe cranial nerve and brainstem dissection, as well as the intraoperative decision and technique to leave the least amount of residual adherent tumor, are demonstrated. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID21128

scholarly journals The extracisternal approach in vestibular schwannoma surgery and facial nerve preservation

2014 ◽  
Vol 72 (12) ◽  
pp. 925-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo A. S. Vellutini ◽  
André Beer-Furlan ◽  
Roger S. Brock ◽  
Marcos Q. T. Gomes ◽  
Aldo Stamm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Tumor Removal ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
One Year

The classical surgical technique for the resection of vestibular schwannomas (VS) has emphasized the microsurgical anatomy of cranial nerves. We believe that the focus on preservation of the arachnoid membrane may serve as a safe guide for tumor removal. Method The extracisternal approach is described in detail. We reviewed charts from 120 patients treated with this technique between 2006 and 2012. Surgical results were evaluated based on the extension of resection, tumor relapse, and facial nerve function. Results Overall gross total resection was achieved in 81% of the patients. The overall postoperative facial nerve function House-Brackmann grades I-II at one year was 93%. There was no recurrence in 4.2 years mean follow up. Conclusion The extracisternal technique differs from other surgical descriptions on the treatment of VS by not requiring the identification of the facial nerve, as long as we preserve the arachnoid envelope in the total circumference of the tumor.

scholarly journals The Offprint of an Abnormal Pre-Parotidectomy Electrodiagnostic Finding in a Normally Functioning Facial Nerve: Correlation with Intraoperative Findings, Histology and Postoperative Facial Nerve Function

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
Verena Katheder ◽  
Matti Sievert ◽  
Sarina Katrin Müller ◽  
Vivian Thimsen ◽  
Antoniu-Oreste Gostian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Malignant Tumor ◽  
Facial Palsy ◽  
Benign Lesion ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Clinically Normal ◽  
Parotid Tumors ◽  
Supramaximal Stimulation

The aim of this study was to search for associations between an electrodiagnostically abnormal but clinically normal facial nerve before parotidectomy and the intraoperative findings, as well as the postoperative facial nerve function. The records of all patients treated for parotid tumors between 2002 and 2021 with a preoperative House–Brackmann score of grade I but an abnormal electrophysiologic finding were studied retrospectively. A total of 285 patients were included in this study, and 222 patients had a benign lesion (77.9%), whereas 63 cases had a malignant tumor (22.1%). Electroneurographic facial nerve involvement was associated with nerve displacement in 185 cases (64.9%) and infiltration in 17 cases (6%). In 83 cases (29.1%), no tumor–nerve interface could be detected intraoperatively. An electroneurographic signal was absent despite supramaximal stimulation in 6/17 cases with nerve infiltration and in 17/268 cases without nerve infiltration (p < 0.001). The electrophysiologic involvement of a normal facial nerve is not pathognomonic for a malignancy (22%), but it presents a rather rare (~6%) sign of a “true” nerve infiltration and could also appear in tumors without any contact with the facial nerve (~29%). Of our cases, two thirds of those with an anatomic nerve preservation and facial palsy had already directly and postoperatively recovered to a major extent in the midterm.

scholarly journals Preservation of Hearing and Facial Nerve Function with the Microsurgical Excision of Large Vestibular Schwannomas: Experience with the Retrosigmoid Approach

Cureus ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shaheryar Ahmed Rajput ◽  
Ahmad Nawaz Ahmad ◽  
Asif Ali Arain ◽  
Mohammad Adeel ◽  
Saeed Akram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Retrosigmoid Approach ◽  
Vestibular Schwannomas ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function

Sporadic unilateral vestibular schwannoma in the pediatric population

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-129 ◽  
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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