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Hearing preservation in bilateral acoustic neurinomas
1Neurosurgery Department, Hannover, Germany.
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Early detection and surgical removal of acoustic neuromas in neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) patients improve hearing preservation rates. This study highlights successful outcomes for hearing and facial nerve function.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Genetics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is characterized by bilateral acoustic neuromas.
- Advances in diagnostics enable earlier detection of NF2.
- Early detection facilitates improved hearing preservation strategies.
Observation:
- 110 acoustic neuromas in 74 NF2 patients were resected between 1979 and 1992.
- Complete tumor removal was achieved in most cases.
- Subtotal tumor removal was performed in 11 cases for specific goals like hearing preservation or brainstem decompression.
Findings:
- Overall hearing preservation rate was 36%.
- For patients with good preoperative hearing and small tumors, hearing preservation reached 58%.
- Facial nerve preservation rate was 92%, with successful nerve reconstructions when needed.
Implications:
- Early detection and surgical intervention are crucial for NF2 management.
- Surgical decision-making should prioritize hearing and facial nerve function preservation.
- This experience informs surgical strategies for NF2 patients.