Technical nuances of resection of giant (> 5 cm) vestibular schwannomas: pearls for success

Neurosurg Focus. 2012 Sep;33(3):E15. doi: 10.3171/2012.7.FOCUS12177.

Abstract

Removal of vestibular schwannomas (VSs, or acoustic neuromas) remains one of the most challenging operations in neurosurgery. Giant or huge tumors (> 5 cm) heighten these challenges, and technical nuances play a special role in maximizing tumor resection while minimizing complications. In this article, the senior author describes his technical experience with microsurgical excision of giant VSs. The accompanying video further illustrates these details.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neuroma, Acoustic / surgery*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Preoperative Care / adverse effects
  • Surgical Instruments
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome