Individual Return to Work After Treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma: A Questionnaire-Based Study

A fulfilling professional life is an integral part of overall quality of life. Understanding post-treatment return to work (RTW) in vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients is essential for optimizing patient management and counseling. Our questionnaire-based study aimed to assess individual factors influencing RTW outcomes in VS patients.

We conducted a questionnaire-based study on a retrospective cohort diagnosed with VS who underwent either surgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery at our institution between 2012 and 2021. RTW was assessed in a working age population (younger than 65 years) at the time of intervention using a 26-item questionnaire, addressing key domains such as employment status, work capacity, job modifications, and factors influencing the return-to-work process. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modality, and follow-up were recorded.

One hundred forty-four eligible patients underwent treatment during the study period. Of these, 72 patients (50%) with a median age of 51 years at the time of treatment agreed to participate in the study, with 38 and 34 having undergone SRS and surgery respectively. At 12 months postintervention, 72% were working (59% full time), increasing to 84% at 24 months (65% full time), and stabilizing at 60 months. At the last contact, 50% of patients were employed, 47% retired, and 3% unemployed. Employment changes were present in 16%. Work-life balance remained unchanged in 56%, while 41% prioritized free time. Perceived employer support significantly increased RTW likelihood (P = .013). However, treatment modality and gender showed no significant impact on RTW. Patients requiring psychological support postintervention were significantly less likely to RTW at 6 months (P = .046) but showed no significant difference at 12, 24, or 60 months.

Treatment modality did not significantly influence RTW. However, employer support significantly affected RTW post-treatment.