Awake craniotomy for auditory brainstem implant in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2: Four case reports

The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) is a significant treatment to restore hearing sensations for neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients. However, there is no ideal method in assisting the placement of ABIs. In this case series, intraoperative cochlear nucleus mapping was performed in awake craniotomy to help guide the placement of the electrode array.

We applied the asleep-awake-asleep technique for awake craniotomy and hearing test via the retrosigmoid approach for acoustic neuroma resections and ABIs, using mechanical ventilation with a laryngeal mask during the asleep phases, utilizing a ropivacaine-based regional anesthesia, and sevoflurane combined with propofol/remifentanil as the sedative/analgesic agents in four NF2 patients. ABI electrode arrays were placed in the awake phase with successful intraoperative hearing tests in three patients. There was one uncooperative patient whose awake hearing test needed to be aborted. In all cases, tumor resection and ABI were performed safely. Satisfactory electrode effectiveness was achieved in awake ABI placement.

This case series suggests that awake craniotomy with an intraoperative hearing test for ABI placement is safe and well tolerated. Awake craniotomy is beneficial for improving the accuracy of ABI electrode placement and meanwhile reduces non-auditory side effects.