Outcomes in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma after Subtotal Resection and Adjuvant Radiosurgery

Abstract

Background: The debate continues with a limited number of publications describing outcomes in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) treated with planned subtotal resection (STR) plus stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Here we present our experience. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 22 patients with VS Koos grade III and IV who were treated with STR followed by SRS. Tumor volumes, facial nerve function, hearing preservation, and the presence of trigeminal neuropathy were noted. Spearman's rank test was used to correlate facial nerve grade with postoperative tumor residual tumor volume. Results: Tumor control was achieved in all patients with a mean follow-up of 28 months. No patient required other treatment beyond the original surgery and adjuvant SRS during this period. After a mean postoperative period of 28 months, 19/22 patients had excellent (House-Brackmann I or II) facial nerve function grading. Improved facial nerve function was positively correlated with larger residual tumor volume (r_s = 0.63). Kaplan-Meier curve showed around 80% probability for regaining facial nerve function after initial deterioration. Four patients reported postoperative facial numbness at the side of surgery, with 3 cases showing improvement within a month. Temporary postoperative caudal cranial nerve dysfunction was observed in 2 patients. Conclusion: Hybrid strategy of STR and adjuvant SRS provides patients with large VS excellent tumor control and a good clinical outcome.