The Behavior of Residual Tumors and Facial Nerve outcomes after incomplete Excision of Vestibular Schwannomas The Behavior of Residual Tumors and Facial Nerve outcomes after incomplete Excision of Vestibular Schwannomas

Abstract

Objective:

The authors evaluated the behavior of residual tumors and facial nerve outcomes after incomplete excision of vestibular schwannomas (VSs).

Conclusion:

The authors’ report and review of the literature show that there is undoubtedly merit for NTR (near total removal) and STR (sub-total removal) for preservation of the facial nerve. On the basis of this they propose an algorithm for the management of incomplete VS excisions. Patients who undergo incomplete excisions must be subjected to follow-up MRI for a period of at least 7–10 years. When compared with STR, NTR via an enlarged translabyrinthine approach has shown to have a lower rate of regrowth of residual tumor, while having almost the same result in terms of facial nerve function.