Surgical management for large vestibular schwannomas: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and consensus statement on behalf of the EANS skull base section

Daniele Starnoni, Lorenzo Giammattei, Giulia Cossu, Michael J Link, Pierre-Hugues Roche, Ari G Chacko, Kenji Ohata, Majid Samii, Ashish Suri, Michael Bruneau, Jan F Cornelius, Luigi Cavallo, Torstein R Meling, Sebastien Froelich, Marcos Tatagiba, Albert Sufianov, Dimitrios Paraskevopoulos, Idoya Zazpe, Moncef Berhouma, Emmanuel JouanneauJeroen B Verheul, Constantin Tuleasca, Mercy George, Marc Levivier, Mahmoud Messerer, Roy Thomas Daniel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The optimal management of large vestibular schwannomas continues to be debated. We constituted a task force comprising the members of the EANS skull base committee along with international experts to derive recommendations for the management of this problem from a European perspective.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of MEDLINE database, in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines, was performed. A subgroup analysis screening all surgical series published within the last 20 years (January 2000 to March 2020) was performed. Weighted summary rates for tumor resection, oncological control, and facial nerve preservation were determined using meta-analysis models. This data along with contemporary practice patterns were discussed within the task force to generate consensual recommendations regarding preoperative evaluations, optimal surgical strategy, and follow-up management.

RESULTS: Tumor classification grades should be systematically used in the perioperative management of patients, with large vestibular schwannomas (VS) defined as > 30 mm in the largest extrameatal diameter. Grading scales for pre- and postoperative hearing (AAO-HNS or GR) and facial nerve function (HB) are to be used for reporting functional outcome. There is a lack of consensus to support the superiority of any surgical strategy with respect to extent of resection and use of adjuvant radiosurgery. Intraoperative neuromonitoring needs to be routinely used to preserve neural function. Recommendations for postoperative clinico-radiological evaluations have been elucidated based on the surgical strategy employed.

CONCLUSION: The main goal of management of large vestibular schwannomas should focus on maintaining/improving quality of life (QoL), making every attempt at facial/cochlear nerve functional preservation while ensuring optimal oncological control, thereby allowing to meet patient expectations. Despite the fact that this analysis yielded only a few Class B evidences and mostly expert opinions, it will guide practitioners to manage these patients and form the basis for future clinical trials.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2595-2617
Number of pages23
JournalActa Neurochirurgica
Volume162
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2020

Keywords

  • Combined management
  • Gross total resection
  • Large vestibular schwannoma
  • Microsurgery
  • Radiosurgery
  • Subtotal resection

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