Complications in acoustic neuroma surgery.

There has been a continuous lowering of mortality and morbidity rates in the 20th century, thanks to increasing experience and newer technology. Despite this, the readership should be aware of the hazards involved in this challenging field. Complications occur, and their incidence, mechanism, management, and prevention have been outlined here so physicians performing these procedures will be better prepared to manage them. We have found that the occurrence of complications can be greatly reduced through a team approach using the combined talents of a neurotologist, neurosurgeon, and frequently an internist. It is apparent from this article that the morbidity of removing larger tumors is significantly greater than the morbidity of removing small tumors. The recent introduction of MRI to the diagnostic armamentarium of the neurotologist may permit earlier detection and a further reduction of morbidity and mortality rates. Only continued study of prevention of complications will assure the improved quality of our results for patients undergoing microsurgical removal of acoustic neuromas.