An Experience of Early Surgical Intervention for Neurofibromatosis Type Ⅱ

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type II(NF2) is clinically characterized by the presence of bilateral vestibular schwannomas. The exclusive goal in management of NF2 patients is hearing preservation. It has been controversial to determine whether to wait and see or to try early surgical management for hearing preservation. The authors experienced a case of vestibular schwannoma in association with NF2, which was partially removed and decompressed via middle fossa approach with hearing preservation. Based on our experience, we recommend a new strategy for hearing preservation on early surgical intervention of vestibular schwannoma. The criterias of the patient include (1) bilateral normal or serviceable hearing: (2) small sized tumorand: (3) young age. We suggest that the early surgical intervention including decompression may be considered for the hearing preservation especially on the favorable side to approach.