Vestibular schwannoma: care for soft tissues and subperineural dissection: how I do it

Abstract

Background: Recognition of the right surgical cleavage plane of a vestibular schwannoma is mandatory to preserve the facial nerve function.

Method: We describe here our surgical technique that is focused on soft tissues preservation and on subperineural dissection, avoiding direct exposure of the acoustico-facial complex in order to preserve facial nerve function.

Conclusion: Soft tissue dissection helps in reducing patient's postoperative discomfort. Meticulously keeping a subperineural plan of dissection enables to preserve facial nerve function while offering satisfying resection rates.

Keywords: Arachnoid; Cochlear nerve; Facial nerve; Tumor capsule; Vestibular schwannoma.