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Hevia Rodríguez P, Elúa Pinín A, Larrea Aseguinolaza A, Samprón N, Armendariz Guezala M, Úrculo Bareño E. Semisitting position for cerebello-pontine angle surgery: Analysis of complications and how to avoid it. NEUROCIRUGIA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2024; 35:18-29. [PMID: 37442433 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucie.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the primary complications related to semisitting position in patients undergoing cerebelo-pontine angle surgery. METHODS Retrospective data analysis from patients undergoing elective tumoral cerebelo-pontine angle surgery in a semisitting position. The incidence, severity, occurrence moment, treatment, duration, and outcomes of venous air embolism (VAE), pneumocephalus, postural hypotension, and other complications were recorded. Neurointensive care unit (NICU), length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and modified Rankin scale scores were calculated six months after surgery. RESULTS Fifty patients were operated on. Eleven (22%) presented VAE (mean duration 8±4.5min): five (10%) during tumor resection, and four (8%) during dural opening. Ten (20%) were resolved by covering the surgical bed, air bubbles aspiration, jugular compression, and one (2%) tilted to a steep Trendelenburg position. One (2%) had intraoperative hemodynamic instability. The only variable associated with VAE was meningioma at histopathology OR=4.58, p=0.001. NICU was higher in patients with VAE (5.5±1.06 vs. 1.9±0.20 days, p=0.01). There were no differences in the Rankin scale. All patients presented postoperative pneumocephalus with a good level of consciousness, except one (2%) who required evacuation. Seven patients (14%) showed postural hypotension, three (6%) after positioning, and one (2%) after developing a VAE; all were reversed with usual vasoactive drugs. No other position-related complications or mortality were registered in this series. CONCLUSIONS The semisitting position is a safe option with the knowledge, prevention, detection, and early solution of all the possible complications. The development of VAE rarely implies hemodynamic instability or greater disability after surgery. Postoperative pneumocephalus is very common and rarely requires evacuation. Excellent cooperation between anesthesia, nursing, neurophysiology, and neurosurgery teams is essential to manage complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelayo Hevia Rodríguez
- Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Universitario Donostia, Donostia, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Alejandro Elúa Pinín
- Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Universitario Donostia, Donostia, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Amaia Larrea Aseguinolaza
- Servicio de Anestesia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario Donostia, Donostia, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Nicolás Samprón
- Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Universitario Donostia, Donostia, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Mikel Armendariz Guezala
- Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Universitario Donostia, Donostia, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Enrique Úrculo Bareño
- Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Universitario Donostia, Donostia, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
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Vychopen M, Arlt F, Güresir E, Wach J. How to position the patient? A meta-analysis of positioning in vestibular schwannoma surgery via the retrosigmoid approach. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1106819. [PMID: 36816965 PMCID: PMC9929142 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1106819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Patient positioning is a matter of ongoing debate in the surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma (VS). Main endpoints of this discussion are preservation of facial nerve functioning, extent of resection, and complications. In this meta-analysis, we aim to investigate the impact of patient positioning on VS surgery via the retrosigmoid approach. Methods We searched for eligible comparative trials on PubMed, Cochrane library, and Web of Science. Positioning groups were compared regarding facial nerve outcome, extent of resection, postoperative hydrocephalus, postoperative CSF leaks, perioperative venous air embolism, and perioperative mortality. Two groups of positions were defined, and the following positions were allocated to those groups: (1) Semi-sitting and Sitting-position; (2) Lateral position, supine position with extensive head rotation, lateral oblique (=Fukushima/Three-quarter prone), and park-bench position. Results From 374 full-text screenings, 7 studies met the criteria and were included in our meta-analysis comprising 1640 patients. Our results demonstrate a significantly better long-term (≥6 months) outcome of the facial nerve after VS surgery in the semi-sitting positioning (OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.03-2.15, p = 0.03). Positioning did not influence the extent of resection, rate of postoperative CSF leaks, and the presence of a postoperative hydrocephalus. Overall incidence of venous air embolisms was significantly associated with VS surgery in sitting positioning (OR: 6.77, 95% CI: 3.66-12.54, p < 0.00001). Perioperative mortality was equal among both positioning groups. Conclusion Semi-sitting positioning seems to be associated with an improved facial nerve outcome after VS surgery via the retrosigmoid approach. Venous air embolisms are significantly more often observed among VS patients who underwent surgery in the sitting position, but the perioperative mortality is equal in both positioning groups. Both positioning groups are a safe procedure. Multicentric prospective randomized trials are needed to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of each positioning in VS surgery via the retrosigmoid approach.
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Al-Afif S, Elkayekh H, Omer M, Heissler HE, Scheinichen D, Palmaers T, Nakamura M, Hermann EJ, Samii M, Krauss JK. Analysis of risk factors for venous air embolism in the semisitting position and its impact on outcome in a consecutive series of 740 patients. J Neurosurg 2022; 137:258-265. [PMID: 34740183 DOI: 10.3171/2021.7.jns211107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Routine use of the semisitting position, which offers several advantages, remains a matter of debate. Venous air embolism (VAE) is a potentially serious complication associated with the semisitting position. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the safety of the semisitting position by analyzing data over a 20-year period. METHODS The incidence of VAE and its perioperative management were analyzed retrospectively in a consecutive series of 740 patients who underwent surgery between 1996 and 2016. The occurrence of VAE was defined by detection of bubbles on transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) studies, a decrease of end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) by 4 mm Hg or more, and/or an unexplained drop in systolic arterial blood pressure (≥ 10 mm Hg). From 1996 until 2013 TTDE was used, and from 2013 on TEE was used. The possible risk factors for VAE and its impact on surgical performance were analyzed. RESULTS There were 404 women and 336 men with a mean age at surgery of 49 years (range 1-87 years). Surgery was performed for infratentorial lesions in 709 patients (95.8%), supratentorial lesions in 17 (2.3%), and cervical lesions in 14 (1.9%). The most frequent pathology was vestibular schwannoma. TEE had a higher sensitivity than TTDE. While TEE detected VAE in 40.5% of patients, TTDE had a detection rate of 11.8%. Overall, VAE was detected in 119 patients (16.1%) intraoperatively. In all of these patients, VAE was apparent on TTDE or TEE. Of those, 23 patients also had a decrease of ETCO2, 18 had a drop in blood pressure, and 23 had combined decreases in ETCO2 and blood pressure. VAE was detected in 24% of patients during craniotomy before opening the dura mater, in 67% during tumor resection, and in 9% during wound closure. No risk factors were identified for the occurrence of VAE. Two patients had serious complications due to VAE. Surgical performance in vestibular schwannoma surgery was not affected by the presence of VAE. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the semisitting position is overall safe and that VAE can be managed effectively. Persistent morbidity is very rare. The authors suggest that the semisitting position should continue to have a place in the standard armamentarium of neurological surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Al-Afif
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Hesham Elkayekh
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Mazin Omer
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Hans E Heissler
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Scheinichen
- 3Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical School Hannover, Germany; and
| | - Thomas Palmaers
- 3Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical School Hannover, Germany; and
| | - Makoto Nakamura
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Witten/Herdecke, Cologne Merheim Medical Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elvis J Hermann
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Madjid Samii
- 4International Neuroscience Institute, Hannover, Germany
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Wu X, Wang X, Song G, Li M, Hou C, Chen G, Guo H, Xiao X, Tang J, Lin Q, Bao Y, Liang J. The effects of different surgical positions (semi-sitting and lateral position) on the surgical outcomes of large vestibular schwannoma: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:492. [PMID: 35701794 PMCID: PMC9194341 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06437-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is an ongoing discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of different surgical positions (semi-sitting and lateral position) for vestibular schwannoma surgery. Each position has its advantages, disadvantages, challenges, and risk profiles. The objectives of this study are to compare the effects of different surgical positions (semi-sitting and lateral position) on the outcomes of large vestibular schwannoma, primarily including effectiveness and safety. Methods In this single-centre, open, randomized controlled trial, we will recruit a total of 116 participants according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria who will be randomized to an experimental group or control group. Patients will undergo operations in semi-sitting and lateral positions. The primary endpoint will be the percentage of gross total resection. The secondary endpoints will include the facial nerve function, hearing preservation, surgical position placement time, time of operation (skin-to-skin surgical time), hospital stay, total hospitalization fee, and complications. The follow-up period will be at least 12 months, during which time patients will be evaluated both clinically and radiologically. Discussion This issue is still debated after 30 years since the first large comparative study was published in 1989, so the study will be useful. Therefore, more high-quality studies are required to compare clinical outcomes, complications, and other factors associated with these two positions. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900027550. Registered on 17 November 2019
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Gang Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Mingchu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Chengbei Hou
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Hongchuan Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Xinru Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Qingtang Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Yuhai Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Jiantao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. .,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China.
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Shawarba J, Med C, Tomschik M, Roessler K. Diamond knife dissection technique for nerve preservation during resection of large vestibular schwannomas. NEUROSURGICAL FOCUS: VIDEO 2021; 5:V8. [PMID: 36285230 PMCID: PMC9550007 DOI: 10.3171/2021.7.focvid21104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Facial and cochlear nerve preservation in large vestibular schwannomas is a major challenge. Bimanual pincers or plate-knife dissection techniques have been described as crucial for nerve preservation. The authors demonstrate a recently applied diamond knife dissection technique to peel the nerves from the tumor capsule. This technique minimizes the nerve trauma significantly, and complete resection of a large vestibular schwannoma without any facial nerve palsy and hearing preservation is possible. The authors illustrate this technique during surgery of a 2.6-cm vestibular schwannoma in a 27-year-old male patient resulting in normal facial function and preserved hearing postoperatively. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID21104
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Shawarba
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University/AKH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cand Med
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University/AKH, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Karl Roessler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University/AKH, Vienna, Austria
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Strauss C, Rampp S, Scheller C, Prell J, Strauss C, Doerfler A, Engelhorn T. Volumetry and Surgical Grading Systems for Vestibular Schwannoma Size Assessment and their Relationship to Postoperative Facial Nerve Function. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2021; 83:39-45. [PMID: 34100269 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1725951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Treatment modalities in vestibular schwannoma (VS) are difficult to compare since different techniques for size measurements are used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between different tumor size grading systems regarding their compatibility as well as the relationship to facial nerve outcome facilitating comparisons of different studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this retrospective study, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of 100 patients with surgically treated VS was evaluated regarding total tumor volume and anatomical extension based on the Koos and Samii classification, as well as volumetric and maximal diameter measures. Three-dimensional constructive interference in steady state (3D-CISS) and T1 postcontrast volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequences were used. Facial nerve function was evaluated according to the House-Brackmann (HB) scale 6 months following complete tumor removal via the retrosigmoid approach. RESULTS Tumor size showed a moderate influence on postsurgical facial nerve function with correlations not exceeding 0.4. Severe palsy was observed mainly in patients with large tumors with Koos grade 4, Samii grade 4b, respectively a volume of at least 6 cm3 or a maximum diameter of 2.4 cm for HB ≥ 3 and a volume of 7.5 cm3 and maximum diameter of 3.2 cm for HB ≥ 4. In regard to volumetry, the Koos and Samii grading systems were highly comparable, whereas the maximal diameter showed consistently lower correlation values. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study allow direct comparison of studies on surgery versus radiotherapy of VS. The data allow for translation of tumor sizes based on different grading systems. Comparison of microsurgical, radiotherapeutic and radiosurgical approaches should concentrate on patients with large tumors. Whereas smaller tumors were rarely associated with severe facial palsy, large tumors did not exclude the possibility of weak or no palsy 6 months after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina Strauss
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Rampp
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christian Scheller
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Julian Prell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christian Strauss
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Arnd Doerfler
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Engelhorn
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Shimizu T, Toyota S, Nakagawa K, Murakami T, Mori K, Kishima H, Taki T. Retrosigmoid Approach in the Supine Position Using ORBEYE: A Consecutive Series of 14 Cases. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2020; 61:55-61. [PMID: 33239476 PMCID: PMC7812308 DOI: 10.2176/nmc.tn.2020-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the merits of recently introduced exoscopes, including ORBEYE, is that they are superior to a conventional microscope in terms of ergonomic features. Taking advantage of it, the retrosigmoid approach can be performed in the supine position using ORBEYE. We report a consecutive series of 14 operations through the retrosigmoid approach in the supine position using ORBEYE. Fourteen consecutive patients who underwent surgery through the retrosigmoid approach for cerebellopontine (CP) angle lesions in the supine position using ORBEYE were targeted, and surgical outcomes and complications were examined. We evaluated the posture of the operator and the surgical field during this approach compared with those using a conventional microscope. In all 14 cases, all operative procedures were accomplished only using the ORBEYE. There were no operative complications due to this approach. Using ORBEYE, even when the angle of the operative visual axis was horizontal, the operators could manipulate in a comfortable posture. They were not forced to be in an uncomfortable posture that extended their arms, as is often the case with a conventional microscope. Therefore, they could use shorter surgical instruments. As the cerebellum shifted downward with gravity even using slight retraction during this approach, the working space of the surgical field was easily secured. Through this approach, the operators can perform stable microsurgery of CP angle lesions in a comfortable posture. This approach can reduce the burden on the operator and the patient, leading to a refined surgical procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kanji Mori
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kansai Rosai Hospital
| | - Haruhiko Kishima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Takuyu Taki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kansai Rosai Hospital
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Machetanz K, Leuze F, Mounts K, Trakolis L, Gugel I, Grimm F, Tatagiba M, Naros G. Occurrence and management of postoperative pneumocephalus using the semi-sitting position in vestibular schwannoma surgery. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2020; 162:2629-2636. [PMID: 32712719 PMCID: PMC7550361 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04504-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background The semi-sitting position in neurosurgical procedures is still under debate due to possible complications such as venous air embolism (VAE) or postoperative pneumocephalus (PP). Studies reporting a high frequency of the latter raise the question about the clinical relevance (i.e., the incidence of tension pneumocephalus) and the efficacy of a treatment by an air replacement procedure. Methods This retrospective study enrolled 540 patients harboring vestibular schwannomas who underwent posterior fossa surgery in a supine (n = 111) or semi-sitting (n = 429) position. The extent of the PP was evaluated by voxel-based volumetry (VBV) and related to clinical predictive factors (i.e., age, gender, position, duration of surgery, and tumor size). Results PP with a mean volume of 32 ± 33 ml (range: 0–179.1 ml) was detected in 517/540 (96%) patients. The semi-sitting position was associated with a significantly higher PP volume than the supine position (40.3 ± 33.0 ml [0–179.1] and 0.8 ± 1.4 [0–10.2], p < 0.001). Tension pneumocephalus was observed in only 14/429 (3.3%) of the semi-sitting cases, while no tension pneumocephalus occurred in the supine position. Positive predictors for PP were higher age, male gender, and longer surgery duration, while large (T4) tumor size was established as a negative predictor. Air exchange via a twist-drill was only necessary in 14 cases with an intracranial air volume > 60 ml. Air replacement procedures did not add any complications or prolong the ICU stay. Conclusion Although pneumocephalus is frequently observed following posterior fossa surgery in semi-sitting position, relevant clinical symptoms (i.e., a tension pneumocephalus) occur in only very few cases. These cases are well-treated by an air evacuation procedure. This study indicates that the risk of postoperative pneumocephalus is not a contraindication for semi-sitting positioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Machetanz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhardt Karls University, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Felix Leuze
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhardt Karls University, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Kristin Mounts
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhardt Karls University, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Leonidas Trakolis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhardt Karls University, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Isabel Gugel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhardt Karls University, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Florian Grimm
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhardt Karls University, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marcos Tatagiba
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhardt Karls University, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Georgios Naros
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhardt Karls University, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
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[Hearing classification in patients with vestibular schwannoma using German-language test procedures]. HNO 2020; 69:750-758. [PMID: 32975608 PMCID: PMC8413153 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-020-00948-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hearing function in patients with vestibular schwannoma is often classified according to the Gardner and Robertson (1988) or the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS, 1995) systems. These classification systems are based on English-language test procedures, there is no German-language equivalent. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of various target parameters on hearing classification and to derive a recommendation for the use of German-language test methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS The rules for speech audiometry based on English-language test procedures were applied to German speech test materials. In 91 patients with vestibular schwannoma, pure tone hearing thresholds, speech recognition thresholds, and speech discrimination at different sound pressure levels were measured. The patients were categorized according to the Gardner and Robertson and AAO-HNS classifications. RESULTS In both the Gardner-Robertson and the AAO-HNS classifications, the number of patients in the hearing classes with serviceable hearing function (measured as Pure Tone Average across three (3PTA) or four (4PTA) frequencies) was highest when using the 3PTA0,5;1;2 kHz condition, followed by 4PTA0,5;1;2;3 kHz, 4PTA0,5;1;2;4 kHz, and 4PTA0,5;1;2;"3"kHz. If maximum word recognition score (WRSmax) was used instead of word recognition 40 dB above the sensation level (WRS40SL), more patients were classified into the hearing classes with serviceable hearing function, irrespective of the mean pure tone hearing threshold. CONCLUSION The Gardner-Robertson and AAO-HNS classifications can be used in German-speaking settings. The Freiburg monosyllabic test can be used to determine speech discrimination scores or maximum word recognition.
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