Vestibular schwannoma microneurosurgery in patients over 70: a single institution experience and proposal of a treatment algorithm.

[BACKGROUND] Elderly patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) are commonly observed.

[OBJECT] Retrospective analysis of 25 patients aging ≥ 70 operated on in our neurosurgical department for unilateral VS. The purpose of our study is to propose an algorithm for the treatment of VS in elderly patients.

[METHODS] American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Grade I-II patients and Grade III with life-threatening tumors were enrolled. Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) was used for evalutation of the quality of life. The House-Brackmann (HB) scale for facial nerve (FN) outcome was used. Tumor size was categorized according to Koos' classification. A retrosigmoid approach was used in all cases, except one in which a translabyrinthine approach was performed. Surgical removal graduation: total (GTR), near total (NTR > 95%), subtotal (STR > 90%). The clinical and radiological follow-up period was set first at six months and then at one year after surgery. FN results evaluation was performed at one year, categorized according to House-Brackmann grades I-VI.

[RESULTS] Mean age: 74,4 years (70-83); 28% ASA I, 56% ASA II, 16% ASA III. Mean tumor size: 2,7 cm (1,5-4,2 cm).

[GTR/NTR] 68%, STR 32%. Mortality was zero. At last follow-up (one year after surgery) FN results were: HBI 81%, HBII 9.5%, HBIII 9.5%; HB IV 0%. Only 4 patients had preoperative HB IV, of whom one improved from HB IV to HB III. Transient complications occurred only in large VS. Re-growth of residue after STR was observed in 3 cases, treated with SRS in 2 cases and observed in 1.

[CONCLUSIONS] An algorithm of treatment of vestibular schwannoma in the elderly is proposed. In particular, in patients in general good conditions, age does not appear to be a major contraindication for microsurgery of VS. FN results at last follow-up are satisfactory and the complication rates are acceptable.