Craniotomy for acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous), often slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain (8th cranial or auditory nerve). Because these tumors grow so slowly, they are usually not diagnosed until age 30 or later.

Although there is no danger of the tumor spreading to other organs, treatment is essential because the growth can impact hearing, facial muscles and sensation, and if left untreated long enough, compression in the brain stem with a life-threatening increase in intracranial pressure.

Early treatment offers the best opportunity to avoid hearing loss and facial paralysis. Any hearing loss occurring prior to treatment will be permanent.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (see Accuray Cyberknife ) is frequently used for small tumors of this type, although those larger than 2.5 cm require conventional treatment via craniotomy and microsurgery.

A Patient's Story:

John Douglas suffered progressive hearing loss in his left ear over many years, and at age 40, began to experience headaches, facial pain, and dizziness. An MRI scan revealed a large (4.5 cm) tumor, consistent with acoustic neuroma.

The first goal of surgery is preservation of life; the second is preservation of facial nerve function. The facial nerve is stretched around the surface of a tumor this size to the point of being unrecognizable. Loss of the facial nerve causes a very significant functional and cosmetic problem for the patient.

Mr. D. underwent a 12-hour craniotomy performed by Dr. Reid, resulting in a total removal of the tumor with preservation of the facial nerve. Brainstem and facial nerve monitoring was performed by a neurophysiologist throughout the surgery to assist in the identification and protection of the facial nerve along the surface of the tumor. Although there was some post-operative facial paralysis, the condition resolved within six months as the facial nerve returned to normal. He recovered completely and returned to full-time employment six weeks after surgery.

Post-operation MRI showing complete removal of tumor.

Six years after his surgery, John and his wife Chris expressed the following:

“We appreciate Dr. Reid and his staff for their expertise, professionalism and compassion during our ordeal with John's acoustic neuroma. Prior to John's surgery, Dr. Reid and his nurse, Patti, were available to answer the many questions we had concerning the upcoming operation and recovery. They gave us ample opportunity to ask questions and responded to any uncertainties we had. During the surgery, Dr. Reid made sure Chris was kept abreast of the progress being made, and the surgery team made frequent calls to the waiting room with updates. John's hospital stay was as predicted and again, his staff members were available with answers and encouragement. The subsequent recovery period at home brought many challenges, but Dr. Reid told us what to expect and how to respond, so that we could help him to heal and return to the joys of life.

If either of us is ever faced with this type of need again, we will call on Dr. Reid. We are confident in his ability to handle the situation with medical expertise and caring professionalism.