Three-Dimensional Exoscopic Versus Microscopic Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas: A Comparative Series

Microsurgical resection of vestibular schwannoma (VS) is highly challenging, especially because surgical treatment nowadays is mainly reserved for larger (Koos grade 3 and 4) tumors.

To assess the performance of three-dimensional exoscope use in VS resection in comparison with the operative microscope.

Duration of surgery and clinical and radiological results were collected for 13 consecutive exoscopic schwannoma surgeries. Results were compared with 26 preceding microsurgical resections after acknowledging similar surgical complexity between groups by assessment of tumor size (maximum diameter and Koos grade), the presence of meatal extension or cystic components, and preoperative hearing and facial nerve function.

Total duration of surgery was comparable between microscopically and exoscopically operated patients (264 minutes ± 92 vs 231 minutes ± 84, respectively; P = .276). However, operative time gradually decreased in consecutive exoscopic cases and in a multiple regression model predicting duration of surgery, and exoscope use was associated with a reduction of 58.5 minutes (95% CI -106.3 to -10.6; P = .018). Tumor size was identified as the main determinant of duration of surgery (regression coefficient = 5.50, 95% CI 3.20-7.80) along meatal extension and the presence of cystic components. No differences in postoperative hearing preservation and facial nerve function were noted between the exoscope and the microscope.

Resection of VS using a foot switch-operated three-dimensional exoscope is safe and leads to comparable clinical and radiological results as resection with the operative microscope.