Microsurgical Management of Vestibular Schwannomas with Brainstem Compression: Surgical Challenges and Outcome

Abstract

Background: Vestibular schwannomas exerting brainstem compression with or without hydrocephalus are challenging for neurosurgeons regarding the plan of surgery, operative risk and postoperative sequale. Purpose: To report our experience with the surgical challenges and outcomes for Hannover type T4a & T4b vestibular schwannomas. Methods: Retrospective case study conducted at neurosurgery department, Mansoura University between October 2016 and May 2019 of 16 patients with vestibular schwannoma compressing the brainstem. We reviewed their clinical, radiological, surgical data, incidence of complications and outcome. Results: We had 16 patients: 10 of Hanover grade T4b and 6 of grade T4a. Gross total resection was achieved in 2 cases while subtotal resection was achieved in 5 cases and in the remaining 9 cases; only partial resection was feasible. We had 4 cases of mortality. Among new onset morbidity after surgery, 3 cases had post-operative bulbar manifestation and 4 cases had brainstem dysfunction. Conclusion: Vestibular schwannomas compressing the brain stem are challenging in their clinical presentation, surgery and post-operative outcome. The outcome of patients treated with hydrocephalus prior to vestibular schwannoma surgery is better than those who did initial VS surgery. Patients presented with significant brainstem, bulbar manifestation had worse outcome and needed longer ICU stay and longer time for recovery.