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

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.

scholarly journals Revision Surgery for Vestibular Schwannomas

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (06) ◽  
pp. 528-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Chen ◽  
Mark Lorenz ◽  
Gregory Lekovic ◽  
Marc Schwartz ◽  
William Slattery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Gross Total Resection ◽  
Vestibular Schwannomas ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Total Resection

Objectives To describe clinical outcomes of patients undergoing revision surgery for vestibular schwannomas. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary private neurotologic practice. Participants Patients who underwent revision surgeries for recurrent/residual vestibular schwannomas between 1985 and 2015. Main Outcome Measures Degree of resection, facial nerve function, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Results A total of 234 patients underwent 250 revision surgeries for recurrent/residual vestibular schwannomas. Of these, 86 carried a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). The mean number of prior surgeries was 1.26, and 197 (85%) prior surgeries had been performed elsewhere. The average age at surgery was 43. The most common approach employed at the time of revision surgery was translabyrinthine (87%), followed by transcochlear (6%), middle fossa (5%), and retrosigmoid (2%). Gross total resection was achieved in 212 revision surgeries (85%). Preoperative House–Brackmann facial nerve function was similar in non-NF2 and NF2 groups (mean: 2.7). Mean postoperative facial nerve function at last follow-up was 3.8 in the non-NF2 group and 3.9 in the NF2 group. History of radiation and the extent of resection were not associated with differences in facial nerve function preoperatively or postoperatively. CSF leaks occurred after 21 surgeries (8%), and six (2%) patients required reoperation. Conclusions This is the largest series of revision surgery for vestibular schwannomas to date. Our preferred approach is the translabyrinthine craniotomy, which can be readily modified to include the transcochlear approach for improved access. CSF leak rate slightly exceeds that of primary surgery, and gross total resection is achievable in the vast majority of patients.

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

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-158 ◽  
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.

The behavior of residual tumors and facial nerve outcomes after incomplete excision of vestibular schwannomas

2014 ◽  
Vol 120 (6) ◽  
pp. 1278-1287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengnong Chen ◽  
Sampath Chandra Prasad ◽  
Filippo Di Lella ◽  
Marimar Medina ◽  
Enrico Piccirillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Residual Tumor ◽  
Vestibular Schwannomas ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Incomplete Excision ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Tumor Regrowth

Object The authors evaluated the behavior of residual tumors and facial nerve outcomes after incomplete excision of vestibular schwannomas (VSs). Methods The case records of all patients who underwent surgical treatment of VSs were analyzed. All patients in whom an incomplete excision had been performed were analyzed. Incomplete excision was defined as near-total resection (NTR), subtotal resection (STR), and partial resection (PR). Tumors in the NTR and STR categories were followed up with a wait-and-rescan approach, whereas the tumors in the PR category were subjected to a second-stage surgery and were excluded from this series. All patients included in the study underwent baseline MRI at the 3rd and 12th postoperative months, and repeat imaging was subsequently performed every year for 7–10 years postoperatively or as indicated clinically. Preoperative and postoperative facial function was noted. Results Of the 2368 patients who underwent surgery for VS, 111 patients who had incomplete excisions of VSs were included in the study. Of these patients, 73 (65.77%) had undergone NTR and 38 (34.23%) had undergone STR. Of the VSs, 62 (55.86%) were cystic and 44 (70.97%) of these cystic VSs underwent NTR. The residual tumor was left behind on the facial nerve alone in 62 patients (55.86%), on the facial nerve and vessels in 2 patients (1.80%), on the facial nerve and brainstem in 15 patients (13.51%), and on the brainstem alone in 25 patients (22.52%). In the 105 patients with normal preoperative facial nerve function, postoperative facial nerve function was House-Brackmann (HB) Grades I and II in 51 patients (48.57%), HB Grade III in 34 patients (32.38%), and HB Grades IV–VI in 20 patients (19.05%). Seven patients (6.3%) showed evidence of tumor regrowth on follow-up MRI. All 7 patients (100%) who showed evidence of tumor regrowth had undergone STR. No patient in the NTR group exhibited regrowth. The Kaplan-Meier plot demonstrated a 5-year tumor regrowth-free survival of 92%, with a mean disease-free interval of 140 months (95% CI 127–151 months). The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 156 months (mean 45.4 months). Conclusions The authors' report and review of the literature show that there is undoubtedly merit for NTR and STR 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.

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 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 Facial nerve outcome and extent of resection in cystic versus solid vestibular schwannomas in radiosurgery era

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. E3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pinar Eser Ocak ◽  
Ihsan Dogan ◽  
Umut Ocak ◽  
Cem Dinc ◽  
Mustafa K. Başkaya
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Cyst Formation ◽  
Extent Of Resection ◽  
Gross Total Resection ◽  
Vestibular Schwannomas ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
Microsurgical Resection ◽  
Poor Outcomes

OBJECTIVECystic vestibular schwannomas (CVSs) are a subgroup of vestibular schwannomas (VSs) that are reported to be associated with unpredictable clinical behavior and unfavorable postoperative outcomes. The authors aimed to review their experience with microsurgical treatment of CVSs in terms of extent of resection and postoperative facial nerve (FN) function and compare these outcomes with those of their solid counterparts.METHODSTwo hundred-eleven VS patients were treated surgically between 2006 and 2017. Tumors were defined as cystic when preoperative neuroimaging demonstrated cyst formation that was confirmed by intraoperative findings. Solid VS (SVSs) with similar classes were used for comparison. Clinical data of the patients were reviewed retrospectively, including clinical notes and images, as well as operative, pathology, and neuroradiology reports.RESULTSThirty-two patients (20 males and 12 females) with a mean age of 52.2 years (range 17–77 years) underwent microsurgical resection of 33 CVSs (mean size 3.6 cm, range 1.5–5 cm). Forty-nine patients (26 males and 23 females) with a mean age of 49.9 years (range 21–75 years) underwent microsurgical resection of 49 SVSs (mean size 3 cm, range 2–4.5 cm). All operations were performed via either a retrosigmoid or a translabyrinthine approach. Gross-total resection was achieved in 30 cases in the CVS group (90.9%) and 37 in the SVS group (75.5%). The main reason for subtotal and near-total resection was adherence of the tumor to the brainstem and/or FN in both groups. None of the patients with subtotal or near-total resection in the CVS group demonstrated symptomatic regrowth of the tumor during the mean follow-up period of 41.6 months (range 18–82 months). The FN was anatomically preserved in all patients in both groups. Good FN outcomes were achieved in 15 of CVS (grade I–II; 45.5%) and 35 of SVS (71.4%) surgeries at discharge. Good and fair FN functions were noted in 22 (grade I–II; 81.5%) and 5 (grade III only; 18.5%) of the CVS patients, respectively, at the 1-year follow-up; none of the patients showed poor FN function.CONCLUSIONSSurgery of CVSs does not necessarily result in poor outcomes in terms of the extent of resection and FN function. Special care should be exercised to preserve anatomical continuity of the FN during surgery, since long-term FN function outcomes are much more satisfactory than short-term results. High rates of gross-total resection and good FN outcomes in our study may also suggest that microsurgery stands as the treatment of choice in select cases of large CVSs and SVSs in the era of radiosurgery.

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.

“Large and giant vestibular schwannomas: overall outcomes and the factors influencing facial nerve function”

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Golda Grinblat ◽  
Manjunath Dandinarasaiah ◽  
Itzak Braverman ◽  
Abdelkader Taibah ◽  
Dario Giuseppe Lisma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Vestibular Schwannomas ◽  
Nerve Function ◽  
Facial Nerve Function ◽  
Factors Influencing
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