Vestibular schwannomas are the most commonly occurring benign intracranial nerve neoplasms with an incidence of approximately 1:100,000. Vestibular schwannomas can cause significant morbidity related to hearing loss, disequilibrium, as well as symptoms related to brainstem compression in larger tumors.
Treatment options for vestibular schwannomas include observation, radiation, and surgery. Among the three common surgical approaches to vestibular schwannomas, the middle cranial fossa approach offers significant advantages, including the ability to perform hearing preservation surgery on tumors located in the distal aspect of the internal auditory canal. Despite the potential advantages of the middle cranial fossa approach for vestibular schwannoma resection, the role of this surgical approach seems to be used infrequently. This may be related to perceived increased risk related to concerns of temporal lobe retraction, potential for venous infarct, less robust dura, and overall increased risk of perioperative morbidity.
Two experts from Lehigh Valley Health Network, Pennsylvania, are talking. Otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon Professor Ravi N Samy is giving "Middle Cranial Fossa Approach to Vestibular Schwannoma Resection" conference. Then Professor Walter Jean (Neurosurgeon) is talking about his pioneering work on augmented reality and how they are using it at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Don't miss it!
