Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
A Unified Methodological Framework for Vestibular Schwannoma Research
Published on: June 20, 2017
Surgical treatment of acoustic neuroma: Outcomes and indications
Elisabetta Zanoletti1, Chiara Faccioli1, Alessandro Martini1
1Otolaryngology, Neurosciences Department, University Hospital, Padua, via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
Aim:
Surgery for acoustic neuroma has developed over the years with a gradual improvement in outcome. The goal of surgery should be cure of the disease and a low morbidity, preserving facial nerve function - and hearing, too, whenever feasible (i.e. in small tumors). The most appropriate approach must be decided case by case.
Background:
Results of microsurgery remain heterogeneous, however, probably due to the different amount of experience gained at different centers.
Materials And Methods:
Surgical series reported in the recent literature (2012-2015) were critically reviewed, along with some older papers with particularly representative series.
Results And Conclusion:
Considering patients' age, surgical morbidity of different approaches, tumor size and hearing, some principles can be identified on which to base surgical indications with a view to achieving the goals of curing the disease with a low morbidity, preserving facial nerve function and hearing, too, whenever feasible (i.e. in patients with small tumors). Different therapeutic approaches are discussed.
Insights
Surgery for acoustic neuroma aims for cure with low morbidity, preserving facial nerve and hearing when possible. Case-by-case decisions guide the best surgical approach for acoustic neuroma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
- Neuron Tumors
Background:
- Microsurgery outcomes for acoustic neuroma are variable, potentially due to differing surgeon experience.
- Surgical techniques for acoustic neuroma have evolved, aiming for improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline principles for surgical indications in acoustic neuroma management.
- To achieve disease cure with minimal morbidity, preserving facial nerve and hearing function.
- To discuss various therapeutic approaches for acoustic neuroma.
Main Methods:
- Critical review of surgical series from recent literature (2012-2015).
- Inclusion of older, representative surgical series for comprehensive analysis.
- Evaluation based on patient age, tumor size, hearing status, and surgical approach morbidity.
Main Results:
- Principles for surgical indications in acoustic neuroma identified.
- Emphasis on tailoring surgical approach to individual patient factors.
- Feasibility of hearing preservation highlighted for small tumors.
Conclusions:
- Acoustic neuroma surgery requires individualized treatment strategies.
- Balancing cure, morbidity, and functional preservation (facial nerve, hearing) is paramount.
- Optimal surgical approach depends on tumor size, patient age, and hearing status.
