Nervous System Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Acoustic Neuroma Surgery
The most common treatment for an acoustic neuroma is surgery. The exact type of procedure the doctor recommends will depend on the size and location of the tumor and the level of hearing in the affected ear. The goal of this surgery is to maintain hearing as much as possible while removing the entire tumor. Alternatives to surgery include radiation therapy and watchful waiting.
There are several acoustic neuroma treatment options. The most frequently used option is surgery, in which the tumor is removed. The goal of acoustic neuroma surgery is to maintain hearing while removing the entire tumor. For smaller tumors, this may be possible; for a larger tumor, however, hearing may be affected in order to remove the entire tumor.
Surgery for acoustic neuroma is performed on an inpatient basis, which means you will stay in the hospital after the procedure. In some cases, you may also need to stay overnight before the procedure.
You will be given specific instructions as to where and when to arrive at the medical facility, how to prepare for your surgery, and what to expect the day of and the days following your procedure. In addition, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours beforehand.
Because you will not be able to drive for some time after acoustic neuroma surgery, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home on the day you leave the hospital.
On the day of your surgery, at your scheduled time, you will be taken to a pre-procedure room. Make sure you have a list of your current medications, including prescriptions and any over-the-counter medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking.
To prepare you for your acoustic neuroma surgery, your healthcare professional will first make sure that you have an intravenous line, or IV. You will be given drugs and fluids through your IV to help relax and comfort you during the process.
Patches will be applied to the skin of your chest, arms, or legs for an electrocardiogram, or EKG. The EKG patches record the electrical activity of your heart during the surgery.
Your doctor may be available to answer any last-minute questions that you have, and your family or friends may be able to stay with you until it is time for you to go to the procedure room.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD