Subtotal resection of facial nerve schwannoma is not safe in the long run.
CONCLUSIONS
Subtotal resection of facial nerve schwannoma (FNS) could obtain favorable facial nerve function recovery, but has a high recurrence rate in the long run. Subtotal resection with about 95% tumor resected could be considered in the elderly with good facial nerve function, but is not recommended for younger patients. Subtotal resection with about 70-80% tumor resected should be replaced by complete tumor removal and nerve grafting.


OBJECTIVE
To present long-term follow-up results of subtotal resection of FNS and discuss the indications for subtotal resection.


METHODS
We performed subtotal resection of FNS in 15 cases and they were followed up for 7 years on average.


RESULTS
In all, 93.3% of cases finally gained normal or near-normal facial nerve function (House-Brackmann (HB) grade I or II) and one case maintained grade III. Tumor recurrence or regrowth was noted in four cases (26.7%) during follow-up. Recurrence was observed in 10% of cases who had about 95% tumor resected and in 60% of cases who had 70-80% tumor resected.
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiao Tong University , Xi'an, 710004 , PRC.
Yang
Y
Li
Hui
H
Liu
Yan
Y
Cheng
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult