Facial nerve outcome after acoustic neuroma surgery.

Factors influencing facial nerve preservation and function in acoustic neuroma surgery were studied in 108 cases. Anatomic preservation of the nerve was inversely related to tumor size and improved as the series progressed. When the nerve was saved, normal postoperative function was inversely related to tumor size and was more common if the cochlear nerve was also saved. Most intact nerves eventually recovered some function, but late function was seldom completely normal unless there was some early recovery. The results demonstrate the importance of tumor size, operator experience, and ease of dissection on facial nerve outcome.