Evaluation of quality of life and symptoms after translabyrinthine acoustic neuroma surgery.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to describe the consequences of acoustic neuroma surgery in terms of symptoms and quality of life.


METHODS
This study was a retrospective case review.


METHODS
The surgery was conducted in Uppsala, Sweden.


METHODS
A consecutive sample of acoustic neuroma patients operated on between 1988 and 1994.


METHODS
All patients had been operated on with the translabyrinthine technique.


METHODS
A questionnaire was constructed including questions about the surgery and symptoms. The House and Brackmann scale was used for grading facial function and the Brackmann and Bars scale was used for self-assessment of facial function.


RESULTS
Follow-up data were collected by a postal questionnaire sent out and returned by 141 patients, which yielded a 90% response rate. Normal to moderately impaired facial function (House I-III) was evident in 85.2% of patients, although residual facial problems were reported. Most considered hearing to be worse after surgery (80%), and tinnitus was found in 60% of the sample. Balance problems (45%), dizziness (19%), and headache/pain (22%) were also reported. Work ability was affected in 23%, and 37% reported a continued need for medical consultations, mainly because of facial problems and pain. Most (89%) were pleased with the preoperative information.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that few patients with acoustic neuroma had experienced negative social consequences after surgery. Although not linked to the operation, residual symptoms were reported that may necessitate further rehabilitation.
Andersson
G
G
Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Ekvall
L
L
Kinnefors
A
A
Nyberg
G
G
Rask-Andersen
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000601:surgery*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000601:surgery*