Surgery in the case of acoustic neurinoma (vestibular schwannoma)

Erlangen Experience:
In the treatment of acoustic neuromas we follow the basic idea as described below.

After diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma in the labyrinthine channel we subsequently carry out follow-up treatments via MR scanning to determine whether the tumor is increasing in size or whether its growth has ceased.
In case of stable size we suggest to wait and monitor the tumor. Should the tumor increase in size, surgery and radiation therapy are to be considered.
Our recommendation for treatment differs individually, taking into account the patient’s age, situation of the tumor and the particular nerve functions.

Meanwhile we have surgically removed more than 1,300 acoustic neuromas at the ENT-clinic. In 94,5 to 98.9 % of these cases we were able to carry out a complete resection of the tumors. In particular cases we deliberately chose the partial resection of the tumor to avoid impairment of nerves in the near vicinity.

On the pages to follow we have listed information about our experience in the treatment of this particular condition.