Surgical Outcomes After Conservative Resection of Vestibular Schwannoma in the Elderly.

OBJECTIVE

To assess outcomes after surgery for vestibular schwannoma in patients over 70 years of age.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Two tertiary otology and neurotology centers.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Patients undergoing primary surgery for vestibular schwannoma between 2007 and 2018.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative complications and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 452 patients met inclusion criteria, 31 of whom (6.9%) were over 70 years of age. Age ranged from 18 to 90 years with a mean of 53 years. Elderly patients were more likely to have pre-existing hypertension (58.1% versus 34.0%, p = 0.007) and diabetes mellitus (19.4% versus 7.4%, p = 0.02). Elderly patients were less likely to undergo gross total resections of their tumors (35.5% versus 60.6%, p = 0.05) although they were not statistically significantly more likely to undergo subtotal (<95%) resections (25.8% versus 14.7%, p > 0.05). Elderly patients were also less likely to undergo second stage procedures (0% versus 9.5%, p = 0.04). There were no significant differences between elderly and non-elderly patients in the rates of any complications, ultimate facial nerve function, or duration of surgery. No patients over 70 years of age expired within 1 year of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative surgery for vestibular schwannoma in appropriately selected elderly patients is appropriate and safe, given adequate consideration to risk-benefit analysis and goals of care.