Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery is an ear and skull-base surgery performed by a multidisciplinary surgical team of Neurotology and Neurosurgery. The surgery uses one of three surgical approaches to the skull base to remove the vestibular schwannoma. Note should be made that many/most patients with vestibular schwannoma are managed with non-surgical approaches (such as observation with repeat MRI scans, or stereotactic radiotherapy).
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with a nerve monitor to monitor the facial nerve during the operation. Patients are transferred to the intensive care unit following surgery for neurological monitoring. Patients typically stay in the hospital for 3-6 days total after surgery.
The surgery is performed under a high-power microscope, as the structures involved are very small and delicate. The surgery takes multiple hours.
After the procedure, your surgeon will provide you with information about postoperative care.
If you would like to learn more about this procedure, please contact the Kingston Ear InstituteTM to arrange a consultation.