Postoperative Impact of Pontocerebellar Angle Surgery on the Quality of Life in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma

Background: Vestibular Schwannomas are benign tumors arising from the VIII CN. Surgical treatment is indicated in case of tumors larger than 2.5 cm in the cerebellopontine angle or in the case of cranial nerve dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the QoL by means of the PANQOL questionnaire in a group of surgically treated patients mainly affected by large and giant VS Methods: All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative otoneurological evaluation and gadolinium enhanced MRI and they completed, independently, the PANQOL questionnaire at last follow up. Results: 70% of patients presented with large Koos III or IV VS Each domain of PANQOL showed a strong correlation with the total PANQOL score. In relation to the postoperative facial nerve function, patients with poorer function showed significantly lower score in the facial dysfunction and pain, patients with postoperative balance problems showed a significantly lower PANQOL score for domains of balance and pain. Conclusions: This study showed that postoperative QoL of patients was acceptable even if there were some domains that were more affected, such as hearing and balance domains; therefore, the lowest scores suggest the need for vestibular rehabilitation programs and strategies that improve postoperative hearing.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the quality of life in surgically treated patients with large and giant vestibular schwannomas using the PANQOL questionnaire. The results showed that the postoperative quality of life was acceptable, although there were greater impacts on hearing and balance. Therefore, vestibular rehabilitation programs and strategies to improve postoperative hearing are needed.