[Postoperative quality of life for patients with a vestibular schwannoma]

To determine the prognoses criteria of quality of life's impairment after vestibular schwannoma surgery.

Our study includes retrospectively 104 consecutive patients operated between 1991 & 2000 of a vestibular schwannoma. Patients with bilateral tumors were not included, neither patients lost of follow-up. The french version of the Short Form-36 self assessment questionnaire was sent to all patients.

The response rate was 68% (71 patients). The patients' postoperative quality of life was lower of the norm, especially for psychical dimensions. This impairing of health whatever age, tumor size, operative approach or follow-up time. Sex and 2nd surgery were the only factors associated with a lower score. Women had worse rating of physical functioning.

To operate small tumors should not assume that the impact on patients'life would be necessary less than following the removal of larger tumors. Women should have particularly clear explications before surgery and while follow-up.