Patient-assessed outcomes after excision of acoustic neuroma: postoperative symptoms and quality of life

The importance of simultaneous oculoplastic surgery in quality of life related to vision in surgical resection of large vestibular schwannomas

OBJECTIVES

Facial nerve palsy is one of the most important complications of vestibular schwannoma resection. When VII cranial nerve is damaged, ocular complications might appear, impacting patient´s quality of life. Therefore, standardized eye care must be a priority. This involves three key treatments: topical treatment, rehabilitation and oculoplastic surgery. The aim of this work is to review the results of oculoplastic surgery performed simultaneously with vestibular schwannoma resection in terms of vision-related quality of life, compared to deferred surgery.

DESIGN

The study involved 177 patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma resection between 2015 and 2022. The incidence of facial palsy was registered. Of those patients who had the palsy, we selected 35 who also had oculoplastic surgery. 5 of them declined participating in the study. The final sample (n = 30) was divided in two groups depending on the timing of oculoplastic surgery: simultaneously- first group (n = 15) and deferred-second group (n = 15). The vision-related quality of life was measured using the NEI VFQ-25 test.

RESULTS

26.56% patients developed an immediate postoperative facial dysfunction, decreasing to 18.08% after one year of follow-up. Timing of oculoplastic surgery was associated with better results in quality of life; the first group of patients had a better quality of life (70.27/100) compared to the second group (53.73/100; p = 0.006). Moreover, worse results in quality of life were also associated with long-term postoperative facial palsy (p = 0.042). Current criteria for selecting patients were reliable, proving adequacy as we found worse long-term facial functions in patients who underwent simultaneous surgery (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our current criteria for selecting candidates for simultaneous oculoplastic surgery are effective. When long-term facial nerve dysfunction is expected during vestibular schwannoma resection, oculoplastic surgery should be performed simultaneously to preserve the q vision-related quality of life. Long-term severe facial palsy is associated with poor vision-related quality of life.

Exploring the influence of appearance evaluation apprehension: How fear of negative evaluation affects quality of life in people with Vestibular Schwannoma

People diagnosed with Vestibular Schwannoma (VS) can experience several symptoms both pre and post-treatment. These, alongside the diagnosis experience, can significantly impact their daily life. The present research is a continuation of a larger study aiming to explore the impacts of symptomology and body image/fear of negative evaluation (FNAE) on the quality of life (QOL) for people with VS. The research design was exploratory and involved a nationwide survey with a total of 52 participants. FNAE was assessed using a measurement of the same name, and QOL was assessed using the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life scale (PANQOL). Comparing management groups revealed a significant difference in FNAE with higher scores for surgery compared to radiation treatment. Regression analyses revealed that FNAE significantly accounted for 10.9% of the variance in QOL. However, no symptom was significantly predictive of FNAE. In conclusion, VS is associated with several symptoms that can persist post-treatment. Body satisfaction contributes to QOL and may differ between management types. However, due to inconclusive findings on the predictability of symptoms on FNAE, other moderator factors could influence these direct relationships. Future studies should evaluate the variables that could mitigate or protect from the impacts of FNAE for this population.

The effect of symptomatology and mental wellbeing on quality of life in people with acoustic neuroma

INTRODUCTION

Acoustic neuroma (AN) research largely employs a medical framework to understand health outcomes. An alternative is to examine quality of life (QOL) outcomes. This study explored whether mental well-being (i.e., anxiety and depression) were predictive of QOL in those with AN over and above symptomatology.

METHODS

A nationwide online survey was distributed to 24 community organisations. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of AN irrespective of the treatment approach. There were 52 respondents. Mental well-being was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and quality of life was assessed using Penn Acoustic Neuroma QOL scale (PANQOL).

RESULTS

The most frequently reported symptoms reported were poor balance, tinnitus, hearing loss, and headache. Preliminary analyses suggested that headaches, tinnitus and mental well-being were significantly correlated with QOL. Hierarchical regression revealed that these two symptoms and mental well-being accounted for 18.7% and 51.1% of the variance in QOL, respectively. In addition, there was a significant difference in depression scores between management types, with the surgery group having a significantly higher depression score than the radiation group.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms and mood contribute to QOL for those diagnosed with AN. This can be understood through the common-sense model and fear of cancer recurrence. Screening for psychological difficulties should be provided from the point of diagnosis to post-treatment to allow for targeted management plans to mitigate the effects of these on QOL.

Patient Perception of Education, Care Coordination, and Psychological Distress After Developing Facial Paralysis: A Qualitative Study

Importance

The management of vestibular schwannoma may include observation, microsurgical resection, or radiation of a tumor near the facial nerve. Injury to the facial nerve can result in facial paralysis with major functional, social, and psychological sequelae, and the experiences of patients after paralysis are not well studied.

Objective

To (1) identify patient preparedness for developing facial paralysis and how well their care is coordinated following its development and (2) present in their own words outcomes of facial paralysis in terms of physical health, emotional health, self-perception, and social interactions.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A qualitative observational study was performed using semistructured interviews at a tertiary care academic medical center. Semistructured interviews were conducted between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, with adults aged 25 to 70 years who developed facial paralysis after treatment for vestibular schwannoma. Data were analyzed from July 2019 to June 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Perceptions of the educational and emotional experiences of individuals who developed complete facial paralysis after surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma.

Results

Overall, 12 participants were interviewed (median age, 54 years [range, 25-70 years]; 11 were female). Saturation was achieved after 12 interviews, indicating that no further information could be elicited from additional interviews. Four major themes were identified: (1) lack of sufficient patient education about the diagnosis of facial paralysis; (2) lack of appropriate care coordination related to facial paralysis; (3) changes in physical and emotional health following facial paralysis; and (4) changes in social interactions and external support following facial paralysis.

Conclusions and Relevance

It is well-known that patients with facial paralysis have reduced quality of life, severe psychological and emotional sequelae. However, little is currently done to help prepare patients for this undesirable outcome. In this qualitative study of facial paralysis, patients express, in their own words, their feeling that the education and management of facial paralysis by their clinicians was inadequate. Before patients undergo surgery, and certainly after injury to the facial nerve, clinicians should consider the patient's goals, preferences, and values to ensure that a comprehensive educational program and psychosocial support system are implemented. Facial reanimation research has not adequately captured these key patient factors associated with the quality of communication.

Quality of life reporting in the management of posterior fossa tumours: A systematic review

Introduction

Survival amongst posterior fossa tumour (PFT) patients is improving. Clinical endpoints such as overall survival fail to depict QoL. There is yet to be a review of current QoL instruments used for adult PFTs. Aim of this review is to outline the QoL reporting in the management of PFTs and measure participation level.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. A search strategy to identify adult patients with PFTs who took part in QoL metrics was conducted. Observational and experimental studies published from 1990 to date were included. Studies with a sample size less than 10 and performance measures such as Karnofsky Performance Status were not considered.

Results

A total of 116 studies were included in the final analysis. Vestibular schwannomas were the most common tumour pathology (n = 23,886, 92.6%) followed by pilocytic astrocytomas (n = 657, 2.5%) and meningiomas (n = 437, 1.7%) Twenty-five different QoL measures were used in the study pool. SF-36 was the most common (n = 55, 17 47.4%) QoL metric in the whole study pool, followed by the Penn Acoustic Neuroma QoL scale (n = 24, 20.7%) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (n = 16, 13.8%). Seventy-two studies reported less-than 100% participation in QoL evaluation. The commonest reason for non-participation was a lack of response (n = 1,718, 60.8%), incomplete questionnaires (n = 268, 9.4%) and cognitive dysfunction (n = 258, 9.1%).

Conclusion

Informed clinical decision-making in PFT patients requires the development of specific QoL outcomes. Core outcome sets, and minimal clinically important differences (MCID) are essential for these metrics to show clinically significant improvements in patient QoL.

Quality of life in vestibular schwannoma: a comparison of three surgical techniques

OBJECTIVE

Through years, interest in quality of life (QoL) among patients affected by vestibular schwannoma (VS) has increased. The expansion of the indications for endoscopic ear surgery allowed the development of the transcanal transpromontorial surgery (TTS) for VS removal. The objective of the present study was to assess QoL in a cohort of VS patients operated on by translabyrinthine (TL), retrosigmoid (RS) and TTS approach.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 111 patients who underwent surgery for VS between January 2017 and January 2020 at two different institutions. Patients fulfilled three questionnaires during follow-up: Glasgow Benefit Inventory, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 and Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality-Of-Life. The association between sex, age, date of surgery, tumor size, post-operative facial nerve (FN) function and QoL outcomes was assessed.

RESULTS

An overall subjective impairment was demonstrated in all groups. Age, Koos staging and FN functions were associated to distinct QoL outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

QoL decreases in patients surgically treated for VS. The TTS may allow improved scores in many domains, confirming to be a subjectively well-tolerated technique.

Facial Nerve Outcomes After Vestibular Schwannoma Microsurgical Resection in Neurofibromatosis Type 2

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate facial nerve outcomes after microsurgical resection in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) compared to sporadic tumors.

STUDY DESIGN

Single institutional retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

METHODS

All adult patients with NF2 vestibular schwannoma (VS) or sporadic VS who underwent microsurgical resection from 2008 to 2019 with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 1 year of postsurgical follow-up were included. The primary outcome measure was postoperative House-Brackmann (HB) facial nerve score measured at first postoperative visit and after at least 10 months.

RESULTS

In total, 161 sporadic VSs and 14 NF2 VSs met inclusion criteria. Both median tumor diameter (NF2, 33.5 mm vs sporadic, 24 mm, P = .0011) and median tumor volume (NF2, 12.4 cm³ vs sporadic, 2.9 cm³, P = .0005) were significantly greater in patients with NF2. The median follow-up was 24.9 months (range, 12-130.1). Median facial nerve function after 1 year for patients with NF2 was HB 3 (range, 1-6) compared to HB 1 (range, 1-6) for sporadic VS (P = .001). With multivariate logistic regression, NF2 tumors (odds ratio [OR] = 13.9, P = .001) and tumor volume ≥3 cm³ (OR = 3.6, P = .025) were significantly associated with HB ≥3 when controlling for age, sex, extent of tumor resection, translabyrinthine approach, and prior radiation.

CONCLUSION

Tumor volume >3 cm³ and NF2 tumors are associated with poorer facial nerve outcomes 1 year following microsurgical resection.

Long-term quality of life in patients with vestibular schwannoma managed with microsurgery

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about the long term (greater than 10 years) quality of life in patients with vestibular schwannoma. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients with vestibular schwannoma.

METHOD

A retrospective cohort study was performed across 2 academic institutions, with patients followed at least 10 years after vestibular schwannoma surgery (2000 to 2007). Telephone interviews were used to assess quality of life using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory and short form 12 item (version 2) health survey.

RESULTS

A total of 99 out of 110 patients were included. Increasing age and symptom burden were associated with poorer quality of life (p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). The presence of imbalance, headache and facial nerve dysfunction were all associated with poorer quality of life scores (p = 0.01, 0.04 and 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Identifying and managing post-operative symptoms may improve quality of life in vestibular schwannoma patients and can guide clinical decision making.

Self-Evaluated Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes After Microsurgery, Stereotactic Radiation or Observation-Only for Vestibular Schwannoma of the Adult Patient: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of different management options on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in vestibular schwannoma patients.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search of the Cochrane Database, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, and the Ovid Medline & EMBASE was performed. English and German language studies published between 1980 and 2015 were considered.

STUDY SELECTION

This is a systematic review of HRQoL of patients managed for vestibular schwannoma. Studies in which HRQoL after one management option were evaluated or compared with other managements or with control populations using validated or reliable questionnaires, were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

The included studies were independently evaluated by two reviewers. The quality of studies was assessed and graded as per Oxford Centre of Evidence Based Medicine System.

RESULTS

Ten prospective and 29 retrospective studies were identified: microsurgery initially exerted a negative effect on HRQoL but this tended to improve with follow up. Radiotherapy had a less negative effect but with minimal change over follow up. A significant limitation was that studies did not present results stratified by tumor size. Many patients will need active treatment despite the potential for negative effects on their QoL. The concept of a minimal clinically important difference has been introduced into this field and was compared with five studies.

CONCLUSION

A number of prospective studies are available but none yet with a disease-specific questionnaire. Heterogeneity and the methodological weaknesses of the included studies constitute the principle limitation of this review. The introduction of the minimal clinically important difference should improve the relevance of studies and allow a sensitive comparison of treatments.

Fatigue in patients with vestibular schwannoma

BACKGROUND

Patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) often complain about tiredness, exhaustion, lack of energy, and strength, but such symptoms of fatigue have scarcely been objectified and analyzed in a VS population. We aimed to characterize fatigue in a cohort of patients with VS and compare such symptoms with a control group.

METHODS

All patients who attended an educational course for patients with VS were surveyed with validated tools for assessment of fatigue (fatigue severity scale), anxiety and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale), sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale), and apathy (Starkstein apathy scale). Quality of Life was assessed with the disease-specific Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life (PANQOL). Symptom severity was estimated with a visual analog scale (VAS). The results have been compared to a control group consisting of patient companions.

RESULTS

Data from 88 VS patients and 49 controls were analyzed. The controls had similar age and sex distribution as patients. Fifty-seven percent of VS patients had significant fatigue, compared to 25% in the control group. The mean fatigue score was 4.1 for the patients, and 2.8 for controls. Patients with fatigue were more likely to have depression, anxiety, sleepiness, and apathy. No correlation of fatigue was found with age, gender, or treatment modality. Regression analyses revealed depression, apathy, and vertigo to be predictors of fatigue. Fatigue was strongly correlated to QoL.

CONCLUSION

Almost six out of ten VS patients had fatigue, significantly higher than the control group. Interest and focus on fatigue in VS patients can improve the patient's QoL.

Defining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference for Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma: Are all Quality-of-Life Scores Significant?

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of vestibular schwannomas (VS) is associated with reduced patient quality of life (QOL). Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was introduced as the lowest improvement in a patient-reported outcome (PRO) score discerned as significant by the patient. We formerly presented an MCID for the Penn Acoustic Neuroma QOL (PANQOL) battery based on cross-sectional data from 2 tertiary referral centers.

OBJECTIVE

To validate the PANQOL MCID values using prospective data.

METHODS

A prospective registry capturing QOL was queried, comprising patients treated at the authors’ institution and Acoustic Neuroma Association members. Anchor- and distribution-based techniques were utilized to determine the MCID for domain and total scores. We only included anchors with Spearman's correlation coefficient larger than 0.3 in the MCID threshold calculations. Most domains had multiple anchors with which to estimate the MCID.

RESULTS

A total of 1254 patients (mean age: 57.4 yr, 65% females) were analyzed. Anchor-based methods produced a span of MCID values (median, 25th-75th percentile) for each PANQOL domain and the total score: hearing (13.1, 13-16 points), balance (14, 14-19 points), pain (21, 20-28 points), face (25, 16-36 points), energy (16, 15-18 points), anxiety (16 [1 estimate]), general (13 [1 estimate]), and total (12.5, 10-15 points).

CONCLUSION

Current findings corroborate our formerly shared experience using multi-institutional, cross-sectional information. These MCID thresholds can serve as a pertinent outcome when deciphering the clinical magnitude of VS QOL endpoints in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.

Neurologic impairments from pediatric low-grade glioma by tumor location and timing of diagnosis

BACKGROUND

The neurologic outcomes of low-grade gliomas (LGGs) according to tumor location and duration of presenting symptoms remain poorly characterized in children.

PROCEDURE

We retrospectively reviewed neurologic impairments in 246 pediatric patients with LGGs (88 with optic pathway and midline tumors, 56 with posterior fossa tumors, 52 with cerebral hemisphere tumors, 35 with brainstem tumors, and 15 with spinal cord tumors) who were treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital between 1995 and 2005. We compared neurologic impairments (defined by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03) by tumor location and prediagnosis symptom interval (PSI) (≥ 3 months or < 3 months) at first and last patient visits.

RESULTS

The median age of diagnosis was 7.1 years; median PSI was 2.1 months; and median time to last follow-up was 11.6 years. LGGs in the cerebral hemispheres resulted in significantly fewer neurologic impairments, compared with that of other locations at baseline (P < 0.001) and at last follow-up (P < 0.001). In all patients, PSIs greater than 3 months resulted in a significantly higher incidence of ataxia and dysmetria at last follow-up (42%, P = 0.003). Greater PSI was also significantly associated with worsening lower extremity motor weakness from cerebral hemisphere tumors; dysmetria from optic pathway and midline tumors; eye and visual dysfunction from posterior fossa tumors; and ear and vestibular disturbances from brainstem tumors (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Neurologic impairment in pediatric LGGs varies by tumor location, and PSIs greater than 3 months affect some functionally important neurologic outcomes.

A missing piece? Neuropsychiatric functioning in untreated patients with tumors within the cerebellopontine angle

PURPOSE

To date, little is known about neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with tumors within the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). These, however, might be of clinical relevance. Aim of this study was thus to assess possible impairment in cognition, elevation in mood symptoms, and fatigue in this specific patient group.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with an untreated CPA tumor (27 vestibularis schwannoma, 18 meningioma) were tested within a cross-sectional observational study in a single institution prior to neurosurgical treatment. Patients were administered a multifaceted battery comprising of widely-used tests for assessment of neuropsychiatric functioning.

RESULTS

The majority of the included patients (69%) showed neurocognitive impairment, most frequently in the areas of attention and visuo-motor speed (e.g., alertness) (62%) as well as visuo-construction (44%). Impaired structural integrity of the brain stem was accompanied by more serious neurocognitive deficits. About one-third of the sample reported clinically relevant depression and/or anxiety and an even higher proportion (48%) described high levels of fatigue. Cognitive and affective symptoms as well as fatigue contributed significantly to patients' Quality of Life, indicating the clinical relevance of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with CPA tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients with untreated CPA tumors often suffer from devastating and prominent physical symptoms, neuropsychiatric problems are also frequent. Including these aspects in the routine clinical assessment and initiating treatment accordingly might thus improve clinical management of the patients and improve Quality of Life.

Long-term Quality of Life Following Vestibular Schwannoma Excision Via the Translabyrinthine Approach

OBJECTIVE

To assess postoperative quality of life (QOL) and other patient-reported outcomes following surgery for vestibular schwannoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional retrospective case review using postal questionnaires.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Five hundred consecutive patients undergoing surgery for vestibular schwannoma.

INTERVENTION(S)

Patients undergoing surgery via the translabyrinthine approach (excluding neurofibromatosis type 2) under the senior author, with a minimum of 5 years follow-up, were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

QOL was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire and a disease-specific survey to assess patients' subjective outcomes.

RESULTS

The SF-36 scores in this group were significantly lower than the general UK population, though 24% of respondents reported a subjective improvement in overall QOL. Tumors larger than 4 cm were related to a reduced SF-36 total mental component score (p = 0.037). Increased age at time of surgery correlated with a reduced physical component of QOL (correlation coefficient = -0.26) and an improved mental component (correlation coefficient = 0.26). Subjective reports of postoperative symptoms and return to work, driving and social activities were similar to other published studies. 35% of patients reported vivid dreams or nightmares following surgery; the first reported incidence of this phenomenon in a large group of vestibular schwannoma patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Generic measures of QOL in patients following translabyrinthine surgery for vestibular schwannoma do not always match subjective reports, reflecting the complexity of QOL assessment and the range of outcomes in this group. Increased time since surgery appears to be associated with an improvement in mental health.

Audiovestibular Handicap and Quality of Life in Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma and "Excellent" Hearing

BACKGROUND

Studies examining patient-reported outcomes in subjects with vestibular schwannoma (VS) and "excellent" hearing are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To assess patient-reported audiovestibular handicap and overall quality of life (QoL) in VS patients with class A hearing in both ears.

METHODS

Among 539 VS patients treated during 1998 to 2008, we identified 296 patients with either bilateral class A (AA) hearing or 1 good ear and 1 deaf ear (AD) according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery classification. Patients responded to validated hearing, tinnitus, and dizziness handicap inventories and 2 QoL questionnaires, and the 2 groups were compared. A reference group of 103 adults filled out the same questionnaires.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients (16.6%) had class AA and 247 patients (83.4%) had class AD hearing. AA patients scored poorer than control subjects without tumor on all handicap questionnaires ( P < .001) and a VS-specific QoL instrument ( P = .006). Con-versely, AA patients scored significantly better than patients with AD on the hearing inventory and the disease-specific QoL instrument ( P < .001), but no difference was found between these groups with regard to tinnitus and dizziness. The hearing disability score was approximately 3 times poorer for AA patients compared with control subjects without tumor; a third of AA patients reported a hearing handicap.

CONCLUSION

Patients with VS and bilateral class A hearing report significantly poorer hearing handicap than control subjects without tumor but better hearing than those with unilateral deafness. When patients with bilateral class A hearing are counseled, it should be noted that one-third of patients experience self-perceived hearing handicap.

Patient- versus physician-reported facial disability in vestibular schwannoma: an international cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Patient-reported outcomes are increasingly used in studies of vestibular schwannoma (VS); however, few studies have examined self-evaluated facial nerve function and its relation to physician-reported outcomes. The primary objective of this study was to compare patient self-evaluations of facial disability with physician-evaluated facial nerve status and with self-evaluations of a healthy control group. The second objective was to provide insight into the controversial subject of the optimal initial management of small- and medium-sized VSs; consequently, the authors compared patient-reported facial nerve disability following treatment via observation (OBS), Gamma Knife surgery (GKS), or microsurgery (MS). Lastly, the authors sought to identify risk factors for facial nerve dysfunction following treatment for small- and medium-sized VSs.

METHODS

All patients with a VS 3 cm or smaller that was singly treated with OBS, GKS, or MS at either of 2 independent treatment centers between 1998 and 2008 were retrospectively identified. Longitudinal facial nerve measures and clinical data, including facial nerve evaluation according to the House-Brackmann (HB) grading system, were extracted from existing VS databases. Supplementing the objective data were Facial Disability Index (FDI) scores, which were obtained via survey of patients a mean of 7.7 years after initial treatment.

RESULTS

The response rate among the 682 eligible patients was 79%; thus, data from a total of 539 patients were analyzed. One hundred forty-eight patients had been managed by OBS, 247 with GKS, and 144 with MS. Patients who underwent microsurgery had larger tumors and were younger than those who underwent OBS or GKS. Overall, facial nerve outcomes were satisfactory following treatment, with more than 90% of patients having HB Grade I function at the last clinical follow-up. Treatment was the major risk factor for facial nerve dysfunction. Almost one-fifth of the patients treated with MS had an objective decline in facial nerve function, whereas only 2% in the GKS group and 0% in the OBS cohort had a decline. The physical subscale of the FDI in the VS patients was highly associated with HB grade; however, the social/well-being subscale of the FDI was not. Thus, any social disability caused by facial palsy was not detectable by use of this questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with small- and medium-sized VSs attain excellent long-term facial nerve function and low facial nerve disability regardless of treatment modality. Tumor size and microsurgical treatment are risk factors for facial nerve dysfunction and self-reported disability. The FDI questionnaire is sensitive to the physical but not the social impairment associated with facial dysfunction.

Efficacy of microsurgical tumor removal for treatment of patients with intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma presenting with disabling vestibular symptoms

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and risks of microsurgery via the hearing-preserving retrosigmoid approach in patients with intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma (VS) suffering from disabling vestibular symptoms, with special attention to vertigo.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of 19 patients with intracanalicular VS and disabling vestibular dysfunction as the main or only symptom (Group A). All of the patients reported having had disabling vertigo attacks. Subjective evaluation of the impairment of patients was performed before surgery, 3 weeks after surgery, 3 months after surgery, and 1 year after surgery, using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). The main outcome measures were improvement in quality of life as measured using the DHI, and general and functional outcomes, in particular facial function and hearing. Patient age, preoperative tumor size, preoperative DHI score, and preservation of the nontumorous vestibular nerve were tested using a multivariate regression analysis to determine factors affecting the postoperative DHI score. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the postoperative DHI score at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery with a control group of 19 randomly selected patients with intracanalicular VSs, who presented without vestibular symptoms (Group B). The occurrence of early postoperative discrete vertigo attacks was also compared between groups.

RESULTS

The preoperative DHI score was ≥ 54 in all patients. All patients reported having had disabling rotational vertigo before surgery. The only significant factor to affect the DHI outcome 3 weeks and 3 months after surgery was the preoperative DHI score. The DHI outcome after 1 year was not affected by the preoperative DHI score. Compared with the control group, the DHI score at 3 weeks and 3 months after surgery was significantly worse. There was no significant difference between the groups after 1 year. Vertigo was improved in all patients and completely resolved after 1 year in 17 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Disabling vestibular dysfunction that affects quality of life should be considered an indication for surgery, even in otherwise asymptomatic patients with intracanalicular VS. Surgical removal of the tumor is safe and very effective in regard to symptom relief. All patients had excellent facial nerve function within 1 year after surgery, with a very good chance of hearing preservation.

The Impact of Primary Treatment Strategy on the Quality of Life in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma

OBJECTIVE

To assess the quality of life (QoL) in a representative sample of patients with vestibular schwannoma and to ascertain the differences in outcomes associated with distinct management strategies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with vestibular schwannoma attending a tertiary referral center were asked to complete the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Brain Questionnaire, which assesses QoL in 5 domains: physical, social, emotional and functional, and a brain cancer-specific domain. Results were analyzed in the overall cohort and in surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and conservative management subgroups. The relationship between patient clinical characteristics and QoL outcome also was analyzed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 83 survey respondents with an average age of participants of 57 years and a mean follow-up of 4.9 years. QoL was statistically significantly lower in the surgery subgroup within the Physical QoL domain (P = 0.039); however, there was no significant difference in overall QoL between the 3 subgroups of surgery, radiosurgery, and conservative management (P = 0.17). A poor QoL outcome was associated with the number of symptoms at diagnosis, greater tumor size, and a surgical management strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

The QoL within this patient cohort was extremely variable in each management group, mirroring the heterogeneous natural history of this disease process. QoL in patients with vestibular schwannoma cannot be predicted based on management strategy alone, but a poor QoL outcome is more likely in patients with larger, symptomatic tumors that are treated surgically.

Efficacy and outcomes of facial nerve-sparing treatment approach to cerebellopontine angle meningiomas

OBJECTIVE Advanced microsurgical techniques contribute to reduced morbidity and improved surgical management of meningiomas arising within the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). However, the goal of surgery has evolved to preserve the quality of the patient's life, even if it means leaving residual tumor. Concurrently, Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has become an acceptable and effective treatment modality for newly diagnosed, recurrent, or progressive meningiomas of the CPA. The authors review their institutional experience with CPA meningiomas treated with GKRS, surgery, or a combination of surgery and GKRS. They specifically focus on rates of facial nerve preservation and characterize specific anatomical features of tumor location with respect to the internal auditory canal (IAC). METHODS Medical records of 76 patients with radiographic evidence or a postoperative diagnosis of CPA meningioma, treated by a single surgeon between 1992 and 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with CPA meningiomas smaller than 2.5 cm in greatest dimension were treated with GKRS, while patients with tumors 2.5 cm or larger underwent facial nerve-sparing microsurgical resection where appropriate. Various patient, clinical, and tumor data were gathered. Anatomical features of the tumor origin as seen on preoperative imaging confirmed by intraoperative investigation were evaluated for prognostic significance. Facial nerve preservation rates were evaluated. RESULTS According to our treatment paradigm, 51 (67.1%) patients underwent microsurgical resection and 25 (32.9%) patients underwent GKRS. Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 34 (66.7%) patients, and subtotal resection (STR) in 17 (33.3%) patients. Tumors recurred in 12 (23.5%) patients initially treated surgically, requiring additional surgery and/or GKRS. Facial nerve function was unchanged or improved in 68 (89.5%) patients. Worsening facial nerve function occurred in 8 (10.5%) patients, all of whom had undergone microsurgical resection. Upfront treatment with GKRS for CPA meningiomas smaller than 2.5 cm was associated with preservation of facial nerve function in all patients over a median follow-up of 46 months, regardless of IAC invasion and tumor origin. Anatomical origin was associated with extent of resection but did not correlate with postoperative facial nerve function. Tumor size, extent of resection, and the presence of an arachnoid plane separating the tumor and the contents of the IAC were associated with postoperative facial nerve outcomes. CONCLUSIONS CPA meningiomas remain challenging lesions to treat, given their proximity to critical neurovascular structures. GKRS is a safe and effective option for managing CPA meningiomas smaller than 2.5 cm without associated mass effect or acute neurological symptoms. Maximal safe resection with preservation of neurological function can be performed for tumors 2.5 cm or larger without significant risk of facial nerve dysfunction, and, when combined with GKRS for recurrence and/or progression, provides excellent disease control. Anatomical features of the tumor origin offer critical insights for optimizing facial nerve preservation in this cohort.

Impact of Facial Dysfunction on Quality of Life after Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery

Objectives:

This study was performed to evaluate the impact of facial dysfunction on quality of life in patients who underwent surgery for vestibular schwannoma. Other factors with a possible impact on quality of life were also assessed.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of 95 patients who underwent removal of a unilateral vestibular schwannoma. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory, an open-ended questionnaire, and a pain scale were sent to each patient. The questions were answered by 70 respondents (74%). After a minimum 1-year follow-up, the overall House-Brackmann postoperative facial function was grade I-II in 61% of patients, grade III-IV in 36%, and grade V-VI in 3%.

Results:

The open-ended questionnaire showed that 33% of patients stated a complaint related to facial dysfunction; it was the main complaint for 13% of patients. No significant difference was found in terms of Glasgow Benefit Inventory scores between patients with and without facial dysfunction, nor between those with different House-Brackmann grades. The most frequent complaint after surgery was hearing loss (46%). Postoperative pain was significantly associated with a worse postoperative quality of life.

Conclusions:

An overestimation of the effect of facial paralysis after vestibular schwannoma resection may exist on the surgeon's part. Detailed information about the possibility of hearing loss, vestibular problems, and pain must be given to all patients.

Cost analysis of vestibular schwannoma screening with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients with asymmetrical hearing loss

BACKGROUND

Vestibular schwannomas are a rare cause of asymmetrical hearing loss, and routine screening with magnetic resonance imaging can be costly. This paper reports results on vestibular schwannoma screening at our institution and compares the cost of screening to a utility of hearing benefit.

METHOD

All screening examinations with magnetic resonance imaging performed for asymmetrical hearing loss between 2006 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The cost per new vestibular schwannoma diagnosis was calculated. The cost per patient for those who benefitted from intervention was estimated based on rates of hearing preservation reported in the literature.

RESULTS

Forty-five (4.3 per cent) of 1050 screening examinations with magnetic resonance imaging performed for asymmetrical hearing loss were positive for vestibular schwannoma, and the cost per new diagnosis was $11,436. The estimated screening cost per patient for those who benefitted from surgery or radiation was $147,030, while US federal compensation for unilateral hearing loss was $44,888.

CONCLUSION

Although we achieved a lower screening cost per new diagnosis than reported in the current literature, there remains disparity between the screening cost per benefitted patient and the 'benefit' of hearing.

Psychological status and quality of life in acoustic neuroma patients with facial palsy after microsurgery: a 1-year postoperative follow-up study

Psychological status and quality of life in postoperative acoustic neuroma patients were well documented. However, few studies have been proceed in China and investigated in a relative homogenous group. To assess the psychological status and quality of life in patients with facial palsy operated by an identical surgeon in Shanghai, China. We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients who had undergone microsurgery via a retrosigmoid approach in 2009-2010. Each patient was followed up with MRI/CT image and facial palsy evaluation. A mailed comprehensive questionnaire was used to assess the psychological status and quality of life for these patients. Meanwhile, a telephone interview was previously carried out for the consents. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata software. We found that a proportion of anxiety and depression existed among the postoperative acoustic neuroma patients, although a relative physical health was reserved. Facial palsy caused by microsurgery treatment may be a key factor triggered and involved in the psychiatric symptoms and clinicians must be aware that early involvement of a clinical psychologist may be very helpful.

The Minimal Clinically Important Difference in Vestibular Schwannoma Quality-of-Life Assessment

Objective

Several studies have demonstrated small but statistically significant differences in quality-of-life (QOL) scores among vestibular schwannoma (VS) treatment modalities. However, does a several-point difference on a 100-point scale really matter? The minimal clinically important difference (MCID)—defined as the smallest difference in scores that patients perceive as important and that could lead to a change in management—was developed to answer this important question. While the MCID has been determined for QOL measures used in other diseases, it remains undefined in the VS literature.

Study Design

Distribution- and anchor-based techniques were utilized to define the MCID for the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life (PANQOL) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Setting

Two academic referral centers.

Patients

Patients with VS (N = 538).

Intervention

Cross-sectional postal survey.

Main Outcome Measures

MCID for PANQOL domains and total score and SF-36 Physical and Mental Health Component Summary scores.

Results

The MCID (median, interquartile range) for the PANQOL total score was 11 points (10-12); the MCIDs for individual domains were as follows: hearing, 6 (5-8); balance, 16 (14-19); facial, 10 (no interquartile range); pain, 11 (10-13); energy, 13 (10-17); anxiety, 11 (5-22); and general, 15 (11-19). The MCID was 7 points (6-11) for the SF-36 Mental Health Component Summary score and 8 points (6-10) for the Physical Health Component Summary score.

Conclusions

The MCIDs determined in the current study generally exceed differences reported in previous prospective studies, in which conclusions about QOL benefit (or harm) among VS treatment modalities were based on statistical significance alone. Moving forward, these MCIDs should be considered when interpreting results of VS QOL studies.

Long-term quality of life in patients with vestibular schwannoma: an international multicenter cross-sectional study comparing microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, observation, and nontumor controls

OBJECT

The optimal treatment for sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS) is highly controversial. To date, the majority of studies comparing treatment modalities have focused on a narrow scope of technical outcomes including facial function, hearing status, and tumor control. Very few publications have investigated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) differences between individual treatment groups, and none have used a disease-specific HRQOL instrument.

METHODS

All patients with sporadic small- to medium-sized VSs who underwent primary microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or observation between 1998 and 2008 were identified. Subjects were surveyed via postal questionnaire using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the 10-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short form (PROMIS-10), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), and the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality-of-Life (PANQOL) scale. Additionally, a pool of general population adults was surveyed, providing a nontumor control group for comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 642 respondents were analyzed. The overall response rate for patients with VS was 79%, and the mean time interval between treatment and survey was 7.7 years. Using multivariate regression, there were no statistically significant differences between management groups with respect to the PROMIS-10 physical or mental health dimensions, the SF-36 Physical or Mental Component Summary scores, or the PANQOL general, anxiety, hearing, or energy subdomains. Patients who underwent SRS or observation reported a better total PANQOL score and higher PANQOL facial, balance, and pain subdomain scores than the microsurgical cohort (p < 0.02). The differences in scores between the nontumor control group and patients with VS were greater than differences observed between individual treatment groups for the majority of measures.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in HRQOL outcomes following SRS, observation, and microsurgery for VS are small. Notably, the diagnosis of VS rather than treatment strategy most significantly impacts quality of life. Understanding that a large number of VSs do not grow following discovery, and that intervention does not confer a long-term HRQOL advantage, small- and medium-sized VS should be initially observed, while intervention should be reserved for patients with unequivocal tumor growth or intractable symptoms that are amenable to treatment. Future studies assessing HRQOL in VS patients should prioritize use of validated disease-specific measures, such as the PANQOL, given the significant limitations of generic instruments in distinguishing between treatment groups and tumor versus nontumor subjects.

Infrared neural stimulation of human spinal nerve roots in vivo

Infrared neural stimulation (INS) is a neurostimulation modality that uses pulsed infrared light to evoke artifact-free, spatially precise neural activity with a noncontact interface; however, the technique has not been demonstrated in humans. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of INS in humans in vivo. The feasibility of INS in humans was assessed in patients ([Formula: see text]) undergoing selective dorsal root rhizotomy, where hyperactive dorsal roots, identified for transection, were stimulated in vivo with INS on two to three sites per nerve with electromyogram recordings acquired throughout the stimulation. The stimulated dorsal root was removed and histology was performed to determine thermal damage thresholds of INS. Threshold activation of human dorsal rootlets occurred in 63% of nerves for radiant exposures between 0.53 and [Formula: see text]. In all cases, only one or two monitored muscle groups were activated from INS stimulation of a hyperactive spinal root identified by electrical stimulation. Thermal damage was first noted at [Formula: see text] and a [Formula: see text] safety ratio was identified. These findings demonstrate the success of INS as a fresh approach for activating human nerves in vivo and providing the necessary safety data needed to pursue clinically driven therapeutic and diagnostic applications of INS in humans.

Quality of life following surgery for large and giant vestibular schwannomas: a prospective study

OBJECT

Prospective studies of quality of life (QOL) are infrequently performed in patients undergoing surgery for vestibular schwannoma (VS). The authors designed this to study to investigate health-related QOL (HR-QOL) in patients with large and giant VSs before and after surgery.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and December 2012, HR-QOL was measured prospectively before and after surgery, using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), in 100 patients who underwent surgery for unilateral large or giant VS (tumor size≥3 cm). The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) was also used to evaluate the effect of surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were included in the study (65 men and 35 women). Their mean age (±SD) was 44.2±11.5 years. The preoperative QOL was decreased in all SF-36 domains. A 1-year follow-up evaluation was conducted for all patients (mean 13.5±5.3 months after surgery). The results showed an improvement in HR-QOL compared with preoperative status in all cases, with 63%-85% of patients showing a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in various domains. A second follow-up evaluation was performed in 51 cases (mean time after surgery, 29.0±8.3 months) and showed sustained improvement in SF-36 scores. In some domains there was further improvement beyond the first follow-up. On the GBI, 87% of patients reported improvement, 1% felt no change, and 12% of patients reported deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients harboring large or giant VSs score lower on all the QOL domains compared with the normative population. More than 60% showed a clinically significant improvement in HR-QOL 1 year after surgery, a result that was sustained at subsequent follow-up.

The extracisternal approach in vestibular schwannoma surgery and facial nerve preservation

The classical surgical technique for the resection of vestibular schwannomas (VS) has emphasized the microsurgical anatomy of cranial nerves. We believe that the focus on preservation of the arachnoid membrane may serve as a safe guide for tumor removal. Method The extracisternal approach is described in detail. We reviewed charts from 120 patients treated with this technique between 2006 and 2012. Surgical results were evaluated based on the extension of resection, tumor relapse, and facial nerve function. Results Overall gross total resection was achieved in 81% of the patients. The overall postoperative facial nerve function House-Brackmann grades I-II at one year was 93%. There was no recurrence in 4.2 years mean follow up. Conclusion The extracisternal technique differs from other surgical descriptions on the treatment of VS by not requiring the identification of the facial nerve, as long as we preserve the arachnoid envelope in the total circumference of the tumor.

Conservative management, surgery and radiosurgery for treatment of vestibular schwannomas: a model-based approach to cost-effectiveness

OBJECTIVE

To undertake a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing conservative management, surgery and radiosurgery for treating small-to-medium (1-20 mm)-sized vestibular schwannomas.

DESIGN

Model-based economic evaluation using individual-level data from a Birmingham-based longitudinal patient database and from published sources. Both a decision tree and state-transition (Markov) model were developed, from an National Health Service (NHS) perspective. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out.

SETTING

Secondary care treatment for patients with small-to-medium-sized vestibular schwannomas.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hypothetical cohorts of adult patients receiving conservative management, radiosurgery or surgery treatment, aged 58 years as starting age within model.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cost-effectiveness based on cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).

RESULTS

Conservative management is the preferred strategy for the treatment of small-to-medium-sized vestibular schwannomas. Conservative management is both cheaper (-£ 722 and -£ 2764) and more effective (0.136 and 0.554 quality-adjusted life years) than both radiosurgery and surgery, respectively. A conservative strategy can therefore be considered as highly cost-effective. This result is sensitive to the assumed quality-of-life parameters in the model. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the probability of a conservative strategy being the most cost-effective approach compared with surgery and radiosurgery at a willingness to pay of £ 20 000/quality-adjusted life year gained is 80% and 55%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A conservative approach is the preferred strategy for treatment of small-to-medium vestibular schwannomas. This result is sensitive to quality-of-life values used in the analysis. More research is required to assess the impact of treatment upon patients' health-related quality of life over time.

Long-term outcome of gamma knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma

Objective We evaluated the long-term outcome of vestibular schwannoma (VS) treated with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) as a primary treatment as well as an adjunct therapy. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective review (2000-2012) of 82 patients with VS who received GKRS. Of 82 patients, 20 patients with prior resection received GKRS treatment as an adjunct therapy. The remainder of the patients (62) received GKRS as a primary treatment. Results GKRS for VS showed significant variations in tumor growth control (decreased in 44 patients [54%], arrested growth in 30 patients [36%], and increased tumor size in 8 patients [10%]). Progression-free survival rates after GKRS at 3, 5, and 10 years were 98%, 95%, and 95%, respectively. Hearing, facial nerve function, and Karnofsky performance scale were significantly improved after GKRS compared with pretreated status (79 versus 90). Two patients (2.5%) required resection again due to tumor progression and worsening of signs and symptoms. Conclusion Long-term follow-up demonstrated that GKRS offers a high rate of tumor control, preservation of multiple nerve functions, and a good quality of life in both new and recurrent patients with VS.

Comparison of Long-term Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Vestibular Schwannoma Patients

Objective

To compare long-term quality-of-life outcomes in vestibular schwannoma patients managed with observation, microsurgery, or stereotactic radiation.

Study Design

ross-sectional survey with retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

The Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life (PANQOL) survey was mailed to 600 patients treated for vestibular schwannoma. Patients were separated by treatment and subsequently subdivided by years of follow-up (0-5, 6-10, and >10 years). Composite quality-of-life (cQOL) scores and subscores for hearing, balance, facial nerve, pain, anxiety, energy, and general health were calculated. Scores were compared among treatment groups as a whole, among treatment groups at each time interval, and within treatment groups over time using a 2-tailed analysis of variance and paired t test.

Results

The survey return rate was 49%, and the mean follow-up was 7.9 years. The only significant difference in cQOL occurred at 0 to 5 years, where stereotactic radiation scores were better than both microsurgery and observation ( P = .009). No significant differences were detected in cQOL after 5 years. Within the radiation group, cQOL was significantly lower at 6 to 10 years than at 0 to 5 years ( P = .013). At no point was cQOL for stereotactic radiation less than that for observation or microsurgery.

Conclusions

Long-term (>5 years) quality-of-life outcomes measured by the PANQOL in vestibular schwannoma patients show no significant differences between stereotactic radiation, observation, and microsurgical intervention. Studies are needed to fully evaluate very-long-term QOL for patients with vestibular schwannoma.

Age, gender and tumour size predict work capacity after surgical treatment of vestibular schwannomas

AIMS

The aim of the present study was to identify predictive factors for outcome after surgery of vestibular schwannomas.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective study with partially collected prospective data of patients who were surgically treated for vestibular schwannomas at a single institution from 1979 to 2000. Patients with recurrent tumours, NF2 and those incapable of answering questionnaires were excluded from the study. The short form 36 (SF36) questionnaire and a specific questionnaire regarding neurological status, work status and independent life (IL) status were sent to all eligible patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The questionnaires were sent to 430 eligible patients (out of 537) and 395 (93%) responded. Scores for work capacity (WC) and IL were compared with SF36 scores as outcome estimates. Patients were divided into two groups (<64, ≥64-years-old) in order to assess them for either WC or IL. Putative preoperative and postoperative predictive factors were tested in univariate and multivariable regression analysis for the outcome scores of WC, IL and SF36.

RESULTS

In the group <64 years, age, gender and tumour diameter were independent predictive factors for postoperative WC in multivariate analysis. A high-risk group was identified in women with age >50 years and tumour diameter >25 mm. In patients ≥64, gender and tumour diameter were significant predictive factors for IL in univariate analysis. Perioperative and postoperative objective factors as length of surgery, blood loss and complications did not predict outcome in the multivariable analysis for any age group. Patients' assessment of change in balance function was the only neurological factor that showed significance both in univariate and multivariable analysis in both age cohorts. While SF36 scores were lower in surgically treated patients in relation to normograms for the general population, they did not correlate significantly to WC and IL.

CONCLUSIONS

The SF36 questionnaire did not correlate to outcome measures as WC and IL in patients undergoing surgery for vestibular schwannomas. Women and patients above 50 years with larger tumours have a high risk for reduced WC after surgical treatment. These results question the validity of quality of life scores in assessment of outcome after surgery of benign skullbase lesions.

Factors associated with symptom-specific psychological and functional impact among acoustic neuroma patients

INTRODUCTION

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological and functional impact attributed to acoustic neuroma symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sample of 207 acoustic neuroma patients completed a study-specific questionnaire about the severity, frequency, and psychological and functional impact of 9 acoustic neuroma symptoms.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 56.4 per cent. All symptoms had some degree of psychological impact for the majority of participants; hearing loss was the symptom most often reported to have a severe psychological impact. The majority of respondents reported functional impact attributed to hearing loss, balance disturbance, dizziness, eye problems, headache and fatigue; balance disturbance was the symptom most often reported to have a severe functional impact. For most symptoms, psychological and functional impact were related to severity and frequency.

CONCLUSION

Of the acoustic neuroma symptoms investigated, hearing loss and balance disturbance were the most likely to have a severe psychological and functional impact, respectively.

Surgery of the ear and the lateral skull base: pitfalls and complications

Surgery of the ear and the lateral skull base is a fascinating, yet challenging field in otorhinolaryngology. A thorough knowledge of the associated complications and pitfalls is indispensable for the surgeon, not only to provide the best possible care to his patients, but also to further improve his surgical skills. Following a summary about general aspects in pre-, intra-and postoperative care of patients with disorders of the ear/lateral skull base, this article covers the most common pitfalls and complications in stapes surgery, cochlear implantation and surgery of vestibular schwannomas and jugulotympanal paragangliomas. Based on these exemplary procedures, basic "dos and don'ts" of skull base surgery are explained, which the reader can easily transfer to other disorders. Special emphasis is laid on functional aspects, such as hearing, balance and facial nerve function. Furthermore, the topics of infection, bleeding, skull base defects, quality of life and indication for revision surgery are discussed. An open communication about complications and pitfalls in ear/lateral skull base surgery among surgeons is a prerequisite for the further advancement of this fascinating field in ENT surgery. This article is meant to be a contribution to this process.

Predictive factors influencing facial nerve outcomes in surgery for small-sized vestibular schwannoma

CONCLUSION

The most important predictive factor of facial nerve outcome in surgery for small-sized vestibular schwannoma (VS) is the adhesion between the tumor and the facial nerve.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the facial nerve outcomes between middle cranial fossa (MCF) and translabyrinthine (TL) approaches, and to analyze the preoperative and intraoperative factors influencing facial nerve outcome after small VS surgery in our neurotologic department.

METHODS

A total of 29 patients were retrospectively analyzed, with 16 in the MCF group and 13 in the TL group. Facial function was serially evaluated according to the House-Brackmann classification at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. The effects of variables such as the surgical approach, tumor size, nerve origin, extrameatal extension, intraoperative tumor adhesion to the facial nerve, and facial nerve displacement were determined.

RESULTS

Early and late facial nerve outcomes showed no significant correlation with surgical approach, tumor origin, tumor size, extrameatal extension, or facial nerve displacement pattern. However, a significant correlation was observed with tumor adhesion to the facial nerve and facial nerve outcomes.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques in the surgical management of acoustic neuromas

Unfavorable outcomes such as facial paralysis and deafness were once unfortunate probable complications following resection of acoustic neuromas. However, the implementation of intraoperative neuromonitoring during acoustic neuroma surgery has demonstrated placing more emphasis on quality of life and preserving neurological function. A modern review demonstrates a great degree of recent success in this regard. In facial nerve monitoring, the use of modern electromyography along with improvements in microneurosurgery has significantly improved preservation. Recent studies have evaluated the use of video monitoring as an adjunctive tool to further improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgery. Vestibulocochlear nerve monitoring has also been extensively studied, with the most popular techniques including brainstem auditory evoked potential monitoring, electrocochleography, and direct compound nerve action potential monitoring. Among them, direct recording remains the most promising and preferred monitoring method for functional acoustic preservation. However, when compared with postoperative facial nerve function, the hearing preservation is only maintained at a lower rate. Here, the authors analyze the major intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques available for acoustic neuroma resection.

What intervention is best practice for vestibular schwannomas? A systematic review of controlled studies

OBJECTIVE

Largely, watchful waiting is the initial policy for patients with small-sized or medium-sized vestibular schwannoma, because of slow growth and relatively minor complaints, that do not improve by an intervention. If intervention (microsurgery, radiosurgery or fractionated radiotherapy) becomes necessary, the choice of intervention appears to be driven by the patient's or clinician's preference rather than by evidence based. This study addresses the existing evidence based on controlled studies of these interventions.

DESIGN

A systematic Boolean search was performed focused on controlled intervention studies. The quality of the retrieved studies was assessed based on the Sign-50 criteria on cohort studies.

DATA SOURCES

Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and reference lists.

STUDY SELECTION

Six eligibility criteria included a controlled intervention study on a newly diagnosed solitary, vestibular schwannoma reporting on clinical outcomes. Two prospective and four retrospective observational, controlled studies published before November 2011 were selected.

DATA ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the studies and extracted the outcome data using predefined formats.

RESULTS

Neither randomised studies, nor controlled studies on fractionated radiotherapy were retrieved. Six studies compared radiosurgery and microsurgery in a controlled way. All but one were confined to solitary tumours less than 30 mm in diameter and had no earlier interventions. Four studies qualified for trustworthy conclusions. Among all four, radiosurgery showed the best outcomes: there were no direct mortality, no surgical or anaesthesiological complications, but better facial nerve outcome, better preservation of useful hearing and better quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence indicates radiosurgery to be the best practice for solitary vestibular schwannomas up to 30 mm in cisternal diameter.

Factors associated with anxiety and depression in the management of acoustic neuroma patients

The objectives of this study were to describe anxiety and depression levels among acoustic neuroma patients; examine differences in anxiety and depression across the acoustic neuroma management options of microsurgery, radiation and observation; and to investigate management, medical and demographic factors that might predict anxiety and depression in this patient group. A cross-sectional questionnaire was completed by 205 adults diagnosed with, or treated for, a unilateral acoustic neuroma within five years of questionnaire distribution. Median age of participants was 57.0 years, and 120 (58.5%) were female. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Clinically significant anxiety was reported by 29.8% of participants and 10.2% were depressed. Mean anxiety and depression scores did not differ from general population norms. No significant differences in anxiety and depression were found across management options. Time since management, number of symptoms and comorbid medical conditions predicted anxiety, while depression was predicted by number of symptoms. This appears to be the first study among acoustic neuroma patients in which anxiety and depression were compared across management options. Treating physicians should be aware that as the number of acoustic neuroma symptoms increases, so may the likelihood of clinically significant anxiety and depression.