Retrosigmoid is performed for all size tumors. There is also a possibility of hearing preservation with this procedure. Translabyrinthine is typically used when hearing is poor or absent. This surgery destroys any remaining hearing. The benefits of this approach include excellent exposure of the tumor and clearer visualization of the facial nerve.
Surgical treatment carries substantial risk.
Overall, the risk of death from acoustic neuroma surgery is about two percent. Unexpected post-operative complications occur in roughly 20 percent of patients, especially in elderly and infirm individuals and those with large tumors. Mass S. Complications of the translabyrinthine approach for removal of acoustic neuromas. Resident Research Symposium, Northwestern Dept. Mayo clinical update.