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Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
Delayed facial palsy after vestibular schwannoma surgery
J E Fenton1, R Y Chin, M Kalamarides
1Department of Otology/Neurotology, St. Vincent's Hospital, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia. john.fento2@virgin.net
Objective:
there is a lack of uniformity in the literature of the definition of delayed facial palsy (DFP) after vestibular schwannoma surgery. The aim of this study was to attempt to provide a clear definition of this clinical entity.
Methods:
a prospective study was undertaken of all patients, with an intact facial nerve postoperatively, undergoing vestibular schwannoma surgery during a 16-month period. Delayed facial palsy was defined as any worsening of facial function after the initial assessment of postoperative function.
Results:
a total of 67 patients, operated on between February 1994 and June 1995 satisfied the requirements of the study. Eight of the 67 patients developed a worsening of facial function after the first postoperative day. There were three males and five females with an age range of 29-73 years (mean, 53 years).
Conclusion:
DFP should be defined as any deterioration of facial function after vestibular schwannoma surgery.
