Decision Making on Vestibular Schwannoma: Lessons from a Multidisciplinary Board

Bruno Sergi, Mario Balducci, Gaetano Paludetti, Alessandro Olivi, Pasqualina Maria Picciotti, Eugenio De Corso, Giulio Cesare Passali, Anna Rita Fetoni, Daniela Lucidi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Management of vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a complex process aimed at identifying a clinical indication for fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (sRT) or radiosurgery, microsurgical resection, or wait and scan (WS). We describe the experience of our VS multidisciplinary team (MDT) at a tertiary university referral center created for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of VS patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 132 consecutive patients referred to the MDT and managed by observation (WS), microsurgery, or fractionated sRT. The analysis included patient age, tumor size, hearing level, facial nerve function, tumor control, complications, and quality of life questionnaires. Results: Among the patients, 21% were subjected to microsurgery, 10% to sRT, and 69% to WS. The median follow-up time was 30 months. Outcomes based on different management modalities are described. Statistically significant differences among groups were detected in terms of quality of life (physical domain). Conclusions: MDT may provide the best individualized therapy for VS patients compared with a single gold-standard strategy.

Original languageEnglish
JournalWorld Neurosurgery
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2021

Keywords

  • Management
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Vestibular schwannoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Clinical Neurology

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