title: Long-term results of the first 500 cases of acoustic neuroma surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This retrospective study focuses on 2 outcome results after surgical intervention for acoustic neuroma: (1) facial nerve status, and (2) hearing preservation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 484 patients with an acoustic neuroma.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postoperative facial nerve outcomes were significantly different (P < 0.001) according to the size of the tumors. Tumor size had even more influence on the immediate postoperative results. In addition, statistical significance (P < 0.05) was demonstrated in comparing facial nerve outcomes with the surgeon's surgical experience. We also noted that as the patient's age increases, the likelihood for facial dysfunction may increase for all postoperative intervals. The overall success rate of retaining useful hearing was 27% (26 of 95). Class A hearing was retained in 66% (10 of 15) of cases operated on through middle fossa approach in the last 5 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that tumor size and surgeon's experience are the most significant factors influencing the facial nerve status and hearing outcome after removal of acoustic neuroma.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology, Northwestern University Medical School, Evanston Hospital, Evanston Northwestern Health Care System, 1000 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201, USA.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Wiet
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mamikoglu
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Odom
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Hoistad
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002528:Cerebellar Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery*; D002530:Cerebellopontine Angle; D002648:Child; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome