[Taste and lacrimation after acoustic neuroma surgery]

Postoperative sensory component of the facial nerve after acoustic tumor surgery has received little attention in the literature. The object of the present investigation was to review this specific topic analyzing the postoperative frequency of taste and lacrimation (crocodile tears or dry eye) abnormalities.

54 patients who underwent acoustic tumor removal were selected for this study. Each of these patients was recalled and pre and postoperative evolution of the sensory dysfunction were assessed. The latters were correlated with the facial function evaluated according to the House-Brackmann classification.

Postoperative taste dysfunction (reduced or changed sensation) was complained by 38.5% of the patients. After surgery, 42.3% of the cases had crocodile tears, while in 59.6% altered tearing occurred.

The present study, according to the Irving et al's experience confirmed a significant incidence of postoperative abnormal function of the sensory facial nerve. The influence of the motor component on these outcomes was variable. Lacrimation worsened when facial function was poor. On the other hand, grades V or VI did rarely manifest crocodile tears. Clinically, these findings implies the importance of a preoperative counseling of such particular aspect in the candidates to surgery of acoustic neuroma in order to adequately motivate them and, at the same time, to reduce their psychological discomfort.