Surgical management of vestibular schwannoma in elderly patients

This study aimed to evaluate surgical results of vestibular schwannoma in elderly patients using a retrospective study in a Quaternary Neurotology and Skull Base Referral Center setting. The data of 232 elderly patients (above 65 years) operated on for vestibular schwannoma in the period between April 1987 and July 2009 were reviewed. Most patients were operated on via translabyrinthine approach (TLA) using transapical extension for large tumors. Other approaches used were retrosigmoid, middle cranial fossa, and transcochlear. Total tumor removal was achieved in the majority of cases, while planned subtotal removal was used in specific occasions. Postoperative complications included facial nerve palsy, other cranial nerves injury, persistent instability, intracranial hemorrhage, CSF leak, meningitis, and death. Patients were followed after surgery for tumor regrowth or occurrence of complications. The results showed low rate of morbidity and mortality. Despite that complete removal is the main target of the surgery; adoption of subtotal removal in selected cases can improve postoperative facial nerve results and reduce the duration of surgery.