Management of Acoustic Neuromas

Abstract

Introduction

Since the introduction of the transtemporal (middle fossa) and translabyrinthine approach by House (1), and since the publication of his first (2) and second monographs (3) in 1964 and 1968, respectively, numerous improvements in the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma have had great influence on the surgery of this type of neuromas. Computerized tomography (CT-scann) (4), gas-cisternography (5) and magnetic resonans imaging (MRI) (6) have enabled exact preoperative determination of the size and shape of the tumor and early postoperative recognition of complications and possible tumor remnants. Furthermore, MRI has allowed for a non-invasive diagnosis of intracanalicular tumors.