Impact of facial dysfunction on quality of life after vestibular schwannoma surgery.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to evaluate the impact of facial dysfunction on quality of life in patients who underwent surgery for vestibular schwannoma. Other factors with a possible impact on quality of life were also assessed.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective review of 95 patients who underwent removal of a unilateral vestibular schwannoma. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory, an open-ended questionnaire, and a pain scale were sent to each patient. The questions were answered by 70 respondents (74%). After a minimum 1-year follow-up, the overall House-Brackmann postoperative facial function was grade I-II in 61% of patients, grade III-IV in 36%, and grade V-VI in 3%.


RESULTS
The open-ended questionnaire showed that 33% of patients stated a complaint related to facial dysfunction; it was the main complaint for 13% of patients. No significant difference was found in terms of Glasgow Benefit Inventory scores between patients with and without facial dysfunction, nor between those with different House-Brackmann grades. The most frequent complaint after surgery was hearing loss (46%). Postoperative pain was significantly associated with a worse postoperative quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
An overestimation of the effect of facial paralysis after vestibular schwannoma resection may exist on the surgeon's part. Detailed information about the possibility of hearing loss, vestibular problems, and pain must be given to all patients.
Lassaletta
Luis
L
Department of Otolaryngology, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Alfonso
Carolina
C
Del Rio
Laura
L
Roda
Jose Maria
JM
Gavilan
Javier
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires