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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Vestibular Schwannoma | Original Article

Quality of life in patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery

Authors: Jan Lazak, Jan Betka, Eduard Zverina, Ales Vlasak, Marketa Bonaventurova, Zuzana Balatkova, Martin Kana, Zdenek Fik

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the most important factors of quality of life in patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery.

Materials and methods

Patients with unilateral sporadic occurrence of vestibular schwannoma who underwent surgery via suboccipital-retrosigmoid approach were included in the prospective study (2018–2021). Patients after previous Leksell gamma knife irradiation (or other methods of stereotactic radiosurgery) were excluded. Quality of life was assessed using 10 validated questionnaires that were distributed preoperatively, 3 months and 1 year after the surgery.

Results

A total of 76 patients were included in the study, complete data were analysed in 43 of them (response rate 57%). Grade III and IV represented up to 70% of all tumors. Patients with larger tumors had a significantly higher risk of postoperative facial nerve paresis, liquorrhea and lower probability of hearing preservation. Patients with smaller tumors and those, who suffered from headaches before surgery had more frequent and severe headaches after surgery. Postoperative headaches were associated with higher incidence of anxiety and tinnitus. More frequent anxiety was also identified in patients with preoperative serviceable hearing who became deaf after surgery. Nevertheless, tinnitus and hearing impairment appeared to have less impact on overall quality of life compared to headaches and facial nerve function.

Conclusion

According to our results, tumor size, postoperative function of the facial nerve and occurrence of postoperative headaches had the greatest influence on the overall postoperative quality of life in patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery.

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Title: Quality of life in patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery
Authors: Jan Lazak
Jan Betka
Eduard Zverina
Ales Vlasak
Marketa Bonaventurova
Zuzana Balatkova
Martin Kana
Zdenek Fik
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Keywords: Vestibular Schwannoma
Vestibular Schwannoma
Tinnitus
Headache
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-024-05936-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Quality of life in patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery

Abstract

Aim

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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