Surgical outcomes in cystic vestibular schwannoma versus solid vestibular schwannoma.
OBJECTIVE
To review the postoperative surgical outcomes of cystic vestibular schwannomas (CVSs), especially facial nerve outcomes, and compare these results with those from matched solid vestibular schwannomas (SVS) resected during the same period at a tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-one surgically managed patients with cystic vestibular schwannomas (CVSs) were age, sex, and tumor size matched to 131 surgically managed patients with solid vestibular schwannomas (SVSs). Demographics, tumor morphology, surgical approach, extent of resection, facial and nonfacial complications, and recurrence rates were compared between the 2 groups. Subtotal removal was defined as removal of at least 95% of the tumor.


RESULTS
The mean maximal tumor diameter was 2.8 cm for both groups. For CVS, gross total tumor resection (GTR) was achieved in 92 patients (70.2%), and subtotal tumor resection (STR) was achieved in 39 patients (29.8%). Postoperative facial nerve outcomes at 1-year follow-up were good (HB Grade I-III) in 116 (88.5%) of 131 CVS patients. Twenty-three patients developed nonfacial nerve-related complications (17.6%). For SVS, GTR was achieved in 102 patients (77.9%), and STR was achieved in 29 patients (22.1%). Postoperative facial nerve outcomes at 1-year follow-up were good (HB Grade I-III) in 118 (90.1%) of 131 SVS patients. Nonfacial nerve related complications occurred in 14 patients (10.7%). None of the differences in outcome between the 2 groups were statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The difference in surgical outcomes is minimal between patients with CVS and those with SVS, not reaching statistical significance. We think, with judicious surgical management, similar outcomes can be achieved in cystic tumors and solid tumors.
*Department of ORL-HNS, †Department of Neurosurgery, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, U.K.; ‡Department of ORL-HNS, University Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia; §School of Cancer and Enabling Services, University of Manchester; and ∥Manchester Ear Nose and Throat Clinic, Manchester, U.K.
Ing Ping
IP
Tang
Simon R
SR
Freeman
Scott A
SA
Rutherford
Andrew T
AT
King
Richard T
RT
Ramsden
Simon K W
SK
Lloyd
D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology*; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome