A Retrospective Analysis of Temporal Lobe Gliosis after Middle Fossa Resection of Small Vestibular Schwannomas.

INTRODUCTION: The middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach is a well-established procedure in surgery of the internal auditory canal, as well as with the retrosigmoid and translabyrinthine approaches. It is commonly used in the hearing-preserving microsurgery of small vestibular schwannomas (VS). The debate about the "best" approach for the microsurgery of small VS without contact to the brainstem is controversial. It has been stated that the MCF approach leads to irreversible damage to the temporal lobe, which may be evident in follow-up magnet resonance imaging (MRI) as gliosis in up to 70% of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study represents a retrospective chart analysis conducted at a tertiary university hospital. Here, 76 postoperative MRIs were re-evaluated by an experienced neuroradiologist and compared with the preoperative images. Temporal lobe gliosis was classified on an ordinal scale as absent, slight, moderate or severe. Occurrence of gliosis was matched to the clinical predictors (tumor stage, tumor volume, sex, age, and side). RESULTS: No case of severe or moderate gliosis was found in the patient group. Slight gliosis of the temporal lobe was rare and was only detected in four patients (5%). There was no relation between clinical predictors and the incidence of gliosis. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, postoperative MR imaging did not reveal relevant damage to the temporal lobe parenchyma. This confirms the safe concept of microsurgery of small tumors via the middle fossa approach. The severe glioses described in other studies may be caused by a forced insertion of the retractor or by more extended approaches. However, further prospective neurocognitive studies seem to be necessary in order to assess functional changes in the temporal lobe.

Renewed Concept of Mastoid Cavity Obliteration with the Use of Temporoparietal Fascial Flap Injected by Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin after Subtotal Petrosectomy for Cochlear Implant Patients.

Background: The subtotal petrosectomy procedure may be useful for cochlear implantation in selected patient groups. Although it is highly effective, complications can arise, which may have economic implications for the patient due to the high cost of the device. Therefore, several authors have attempted to identify the most effective concept for obliteration. Methods: We present a pilot descriptive study of application techniques for obliterating cavities after subtotal petrosectomy using a temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) modified with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (IPRF+) for three cochlear implant (CI) patients. Results: Our concept preserves important anatomical structures, such as the temporalis muscle, which covers the CI receiver-stimulator. Injection of IPRF+ also increases the available tissue volume for obliteration and enhances its anti-inflammatory and regenerative potential. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, the use of TPFF for filling the cavity has not been adopted for CI with SP and for blind sac closure. Our literature review and our experience with this small group of patients suggest that this procedure, when combined with IPRF+ injections, may reduce the risk of potential infection in the obliterated cavity, particularly when used with CI. This technique is applicable only in cases when the surgeons are convinced that the middle ear cavity is purged of cholesteatoma.

[Diagnosis and therapy of sinonasal mucosal melanoma]. / Diagnostik und Therapie von Schleimhautmelanomen der Nase/Nasennebenhöhlen.

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is a rare and aggressive disease representing only 4% of all sinonasal malignancies and 1.4% of all melanomas. With an incidence of approximately 0.2 to 2 cases per million, the disease represents a very rare cancer type. As a result, there is a lack of data and most of the evidence for this highly aggressive disease is based on retrospective observations and analyses. The standard of care is radical tumor resection followed by an adjuvant radiotherapy. Nevertheless, the rate of local recurrence is high, up to 50%. In addition, the majority of patients (up to 70%) develop distant metastases during the course of their disease. Both contribute to the extremely poor prognosis of the disease. Mucosal melanomas (SM) and cutaneous melanomas (CM) behave differently with respect to biology, clinic presentation and prognosis. Compared to CM, survival rates are significantly lower for SM. The 5-year survival rate is around 25% in SNMM but 39-97% in cutaneous melanoma. Similar to CM, immune checkpoint inhibitors achieve promising results in SM. However, response rates are lower in SM compared to CM. The goal of this CME article is to provide an overview on biology, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of SNMM.

Discontinuation of anti­programmed cell death protein 1 immune checkpoint inhibition after complete remission in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A case report and literature review.

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibition plays a central role in the current treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M-HNSCC). Some patients achieve a durable response, and even complete remission (CR) is possible, though it occurs rarely. In cases of durable CR, there are no guidelines regarding a possible discontinuation of immunotherapy. Since clinical experience on this issue is limited, the present study reported on a case of a durable CR following discontinuation of PD-1 inhibition in R/M-HNSCC and additionally presented an overview on the current literature. The present study reported on a case of CR of recurrent oropharyngeal cancer after four cycles of PD-1 monotherapy with Nivolumab. The therapy was discontinued after overall 46 cycles. Even after 3 more years of follow-up, there was no sign of tumor recurrence. Overall, according to reports from the literature, CR seems to be an indicator for durable disease control after therapy discontinuation. Since data on therapy termination is rare, decisions about when to stop successful immunotherapy in R/M-HNSCC have to be made individually for each patient.

Multimodal treatment and immune checkpoint inhibition in sinonasal mucosal melanoma: real-world data of a retrospective, single-center study.

PURPOSE: Local failure and distant metastases occur frequently in sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM). Response rates to chemotherapy are low and targetable mutations are rarely detected. However, there is increasing data indicating efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). The aim of this retrospective monocenter study was to assess the mutational landscape and to evaluate the outcome of surgical treatment and ICI in SNMM in a real-world setting. METHODS: Thirty-eight SNMM patients being treated between 1999 and 2020 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Survival curves were generated according to Kaplan-Meier and compared by the log-rank test. RESULTS: Local failure was seen in 60% of patients treated in a curative intent. Overall, 24% of all patients suffered from regional and 66% from distant metastases. Next generation sequencing revealed mutations of BRAF, NRAS and KRAS. One out of three patients treated with a primary ICI showed a complete response (CR) and two showed progressive disease. Eleven patients received ICI as a palliative treatment. CR could be observed in three patients and stable disease in one patient. In the whole study population, the 5-year overall survival rate (OS) was 26%. OS was better for patients who received ICI during the course of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrences and distant metastases are frequent in SNMM. Durable CR could be observed after primary and palliative ICI. Therefore, ICI in a palliative, adjuvant or even neoadjuvant setting might play a promising role in SNMM therapy while targetable mutations are rarely detected.

Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Betahistine in the Treatment of Surgery-Induced Acute Vestibular Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of AM-125 nasal spray (intranasal betahistine) in the treatment of surgery-induced acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled exploratory phase 2 study with dose escalation (part A) followed by parallel dose testing (part B); open-label oral treatment for reference. SETTING: Twelve European study sites (tertiary referral centers). PATIENTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients 18 to 70 years old undergoing surgery for vestibular schwannoma resection, labyrinthectomy or vestibular neurectomy with confirmed bilateral vestibular function presurgery and acute peripheral vertigo postsurgery. INTERVENTIONS: AM-125 (1, 10, or 20 mg) or placebo or betahistine 16 mg p.o. t.i.d. for 4 weeks, starting 3 days postsurgery; standardized vestibular rehabilitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tandem Romberg test (TRT) for primary efficacy, standing on foam, tandem gait, subjective visual vertical and spontaneous nystagmus for secondary efficacy, Vestibular Rehabilitation Benefit Questionnaire (VRBQ) for exploratory efficacy; nasal symptoms and adverse events for safety. RESULTS: At treatment period end, mean TRT improvement was 10.9 seconds for the 20-mg group versus 7.4 seconds for the placebo group (mixed model repeated measures, 90% confidence interval = 0.2 to 6.7 s; p = 0.08). This was corroborated by nominally higher frequency of complete spontaneous nystagmus resolution (34.5% vs. 20.0% of patients) and improvement in the VRBQ; the other secondary endpoints showed no treatment effect. The study drug was well tolerated and safe. CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal betahistine may help accelerate vestibular compensation and alleviate signs and symptoms of vestibular dysfunction in surgery-induced AVS. Further evaluation in a confirmatory manner appears warranted.

[COVID-19: Collateral damage in head and neck oncology and preventive measures for future pandemics]. / COVID-19: Kollateralschäden in der Kopf-Hals-Onkologie und Präventivmaßnahmen für künftige Pandemien.

The start of the COVID-19 pandemic led to enormous challenges for global healthcare, as capacities and resources had to be made available quickly for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. As a result, restrictions had to be accepted, especially in the care of oncological patients. The collateral damage of these limitations inevitably also affects patients with head and neck cancer. This review article summarizes the development of tumor incidences during the pandemic, internationally developed guidelines for the care of patients with head and neck cancer and studies on the delay in oncological therapies and mortality. In addition, the effects on the mental health of the patients, the psychosocial consequences and ethical issues are examined. In perspective, preventive measures for such negative collateral effects in future pandemics are discussed using the example of a concept for application software (app)-based digital care for patients with head and neck cancer.

Surgical management of lateral neck abscesses in children: a retrospective analysis of 100 cases.

Cervical abscesses are relatively common infections in pediatric patients. There is an ongoing debate about the necessity and time point of surgical drainage. The identification of a focus of infection might play an important role in facilitating a therapeutic decision. In a retrospective study, 100 pediatric patients aged 1-18 years who underwent incision and drainage of a lateral cervical abscess at our institution were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether a focus of infection could be identified or not. Data collection included patient characteristics, microbiological results, antibiotic regimen, and clinical course. A focus of infection was found in 29% (29/100) of the patients, most frequently in the tonsils. A causative microorganism was found in 75% (75/100) of all patients, with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes being the most common pathogens. All patients received an empiric antibiotic therapy in addition to surgery. Antibiotic medication was changed in 31% in both groups (9/29 with a focus of infection and 22/71 without a focus of infection) during therapy. Children without an identified focus of infection generally were younger and had more comorbidities reducing immune response while also showing differences in the pathogens involved. There were no complications associated to surgery or antibiotic therapy in any of the patients involved. CONCLUSION: Children with an identified focus of infection show several differences compared to those with isolated lateral abscesses, especially regarding the microorganisms involved. But the focus of infection seems not to have an impact on patient's outcome. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Neck abscesses are a relatively common disease in the pediatric population and may cause serious complications. • Therapy in general consists of intravenous antibiotics with or without surgery. WHAT IS NEW: • The focus identification has no impact on patient's outcome. • Children with an identified focus of infection show several differences compared to those with isolated lateral abscesses, especially regarding their medical history, age, and the microorganisms involved.

Surgical management of tympanojugular paragangliomas using the flexible CO2 laser.

PURPOSE: Surgery is a standard therapy for tympanojugular paragangliomas (TJP). Maintaining the quality of life (QoL) requires functional preservation. The flexible CO2 laser allows contact-free tumor removal. This retrospective study compares the postoperative functional outcomes of TJP surgery with and without the flexible CO2 laser. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2019, 51 patients with TJP were surgically treated at a tertiary hospital. Until 2012, 17 patients received conventional surgery. Thereafter, the flexible laser was used in 34 patients. Tumor extend, pre- and postoperative cranial nerve function, and complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 33 class A and B tumors and 18 class C and D tumors. Preoperative embolization was performed in 17 cases. Class C/D TJP were usually removed via an infratemporal fossa type A approach. Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 14/18 class C/D tumors. 3/51 patients suffered from long-term partial or complete facial palsy. No differences in post-therapeutic cranial nerve function or complications were noted between the conventional and laser group. One recurrence was observed after complete tumor resection. CONCLUSION: The flexible CO2 laser was shown to be a safe and effective alternative to conventional bipolar cauterization, which is appreciated by the surgeon in these highly vascularized tumors. Both techniques allowed a high tumor control rate and good long-term results also from a functional point of view.

Prognostic Potential of the Expression of Podoplanin (D2-40) Within Cells of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx and Hypopharynx.

BACKGROUND: Podoplanin (D2-20) stains immunohistochemically lymphatic vessels, regular mesothelium and tumor cells of different tumors, e.g. malignant mesothelioma or seminoma. In squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the marker has been described as variously expressed. METHODS: This study has investigated the value of the immunohistochemical analysis for the prognostic relevance of the expression in 119 SCCs of the larynx and hypopharynx. The clinical data and documentation of follow-up for at least 5 years were available. RESULTS: The collective showed the expected distribution of patient age with accentuation of the male sex and a balanced spread of tumor stages including nodal status. The immunohistochemical stain intensity (negative, weak or strong) and the distribution (equal versus focal) were evaluated. In addition, the accentuation of the staining reaction was separately examined at the border of invasion. SCCs with a strong expression of podoplanin were associated with an unfavorable prognosis. A comparison of grouped cases showed a trend emerging with borderline results (negative to weakly positive, P = 0.51; negative to strongly positive, P = 0.054; weakly positive to strongly positive, P = 0.17). The staining at the border of invasion had no statistical effect on overall survival. Multivariate survival statistics however showed that lymphonodal metastasis and a reaction with podoplanin in tumor cells are associated with significant worse prognosis. CONCLUSION: In summary, regardless of the exact function of podoplanin in the process of cell migration and tumor progression, an immunohistochemical identification of expression in tumor cells of SCC of the larynx and hypopharynx can give additional information about the expectable prognosis.

Evaluation and therapy outcome in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD).

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study are to: describe diagnostic findings in patients with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD); and demonstrate the outcomes of different therapies like hearing aids (HAs) or cochlear implantation. METHODS: 32 children were diagnosed and treated at our tertiary referral center and provided with HAs or cochlear implants (CIs). All of them underwent free-field or pure-tone audiometry. Additionally, otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), impedance measurements, auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), auditory steady-state responses (ASSR), electrocochleography, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) were all performed. Some patients also underwent genetic evaluation. Following suitable provision pediatric audiological tests, psychological developmental diagnostic and speech and language assessments were carried out at regular intervals in all the children. RESULTS: OAEs could initially be recorded in most of the children; 17 had no ABRs. The other eight children had a poor ABR morphology. Most of the children had typical, long-oscillating cochlear microphonics (CMs) in their ABRs, which was also observed in all of those who underwent electrocochleography. Eight children were provided with a HA and 17 received a CI. The functional gain was between 32 and 65 decibel (dB) with HAs and between 32 and 50 dB with CI. A speech discrimination level between 35 and 100% was achieved during open-set monosyllabic word tests in quiet with HA or CI. With the Hochmair-Schulz-Moser (HSM) sentence test at 65 dB SPL (sound pressure level), 75% of the children with a CI achieved a speech discrimination in noise score of at least 60% at a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 5, and four scored 80% or higher. Most of the children (72%) were full-time users of their devices. All the children with a CI used it on a regular basis. CONCLUSION: Only a few case reports are available in the literature regarding the long-term outcomes of ANSD therapy. The present study reveals satisfactory outcomes with respect to hearing and speech discrimination in children with CIs or HAs. The nearly permanent use of the devices reflects a subjective benefit for the children. Provision with a suitable hearing device depends on audiological results, the speech and language development of an individual child, and any accompanying disorders. Repeated audiological evaluations, interdisciplinary diagnostics, and intensive hearing and speech therapy are essential for adequate rehabilitation of this group of children.

Lesions Mimicking Small Vestibular Schwannomas.

Objective Most tumors of the internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are vestibular schwannomas (VSs). Preoperative diagnosis is based on typical clinical symptoms and radiological findings. In rare cases, histopathology can, however, show different results. Design This is a retrospective chart and database review. Setting The study was conducted at a tertiary skull base referral center at a university hospital. Participants A total of 207 consecutive cases of VS surgery via the middle cranial fossa approach performed between December 2005 and January 2015 were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measures were definitive histologic findings in 198 specimens, analysis of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography. Results Histopathology revealed three meningiomas and two cases of lipochoristomas. Clinical presentation was typical for VS in all five cases. In preoperative MRI, all tumors were suspected to be VSs. Retrospective analysis of the preoperative imaging did not lead to a modification of the diagnosis. Intraoperative findings showed increased adherence of the tumor to the adjacent tissue in two of the five cases. Conclusion CPA lesions other than VSs are unusual but have to be taken into account. In very small tumors, imaging still remains difficult.

Complications of the Middle Cranial Fossa Approach for Acoustic Neuroma Removal.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze postoperative complications after microsurgery for acoustic neuroma (AN) via the middle fossa approach (MFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 203 consecutive patients of a tertiary skull base referral center at a university hospital were included in this retrospective chart and database analysis. All patients had undergone primary microsurgery at the Otorhinolaryngology department via MFA between December 2005 and October 2014. Postoperative complications were documented during the inpatient stay and outpatient follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 41 complications were registered in 35 patients. The most common was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in 13% of the patients. Bleeding complications were documented in seven patients: two cerebellar bleedings, one subdural and one epidural hematoma, two hematomas of the skin, and one bleeding through the closed wound. Two patients experienced meningitis and one patient had a transient ischemic attack. Furthermore, three cases of deep vein thrombosis occurred, which led to a lethal pulmonary embolism in one case. One patient sustained temporary palsy of the vocal fold and another reported antibiotic-associated diarrhea. CONCLUSION: Acoustic neuroma surgery via the MFA can be conducted with low morbidity and mortality. The most common complication is CSF leakage, which can be treated in most cases in a stepwise conservative manner. Severe adverse events that may require revision surgery are very scarce (1%).

Perioperative changes in osteopontin and TGFß1 plasma levels and their prognostic impact for radiotherapy in head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: In head and neck cancer little is known about the kinetics of osteopontin (OPN) expression after tumor resection. In this study we evaluated the time course of OPN plasma levels before and after surgery. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2013 41 consecutive head and neck cancer patients were enrolled in a prospective study (group A). At different time points plasma samples were collected: T0) before, T1) 1 day, T2) 1 week and T3) 4 weeks after surgery. Osteopontin and TGFß1 plasma concentrations were measured with a commercial ELISA system. Data were compared to 131 head and neck cancer patients treated with primary (n = 42) or postoperative radiotherapy (n = 89; group B1 and B2). RESULTS: A significant OPN increase was seen as early as 1 day after surgery (T0 to T1, p < 0.01). OPN levels decreased to base line 3-4 weeks after surgery. OPN values were correlated with postoperative TGFß1 expression suggesting a relation to wound healing. Survival analysis showed a significant benefit for patients with lower OPN levels both in the primary and postoperative radiotherapy group (B1: 33 vs 11.5 months, p = 0.017, B2: median not reached vs 33.4, p = 0.031). TGFß1 was also of prognostic significance in group B1 (33.0 vs 10.7 months, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with head and neck cancer showed an increase in osteopontin plasma levels directly after surgery. Four weeks later OPN concentration decreased to pre-surgery levels. This long lasting increase was presumably associated to wound healing. Both pretherapeutic osteopontin and TGFß1 had prognostic impact.

Management of CSF leakage after microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma via the middle cranial fossa approach.

Microsurgery is one of the primary current standard options for the treatment of vestibular schwannoma (VS). Especially the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach is a safe and efficacious technique for the preservation of hearing and facial nerve function in small VS. Postoperative complications are rare, although a leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is common. The aim of this study was to analyze postoperative CSF leaks and to describe strategies for postoperative treatment. Between October 2005 and May 2012, 148 patients suffering from VS and selected for microsurgery via the MCF approach were treated in our department. Postoperative CSF leakage occurred in 19 patients. We found a leakage via the Eustachian tube into the nasopharynx in 18 patients and one case of incisional leakage. In 13 cases leaking stopped within 5 days by conservative management including bed rest and intravenous (i.v) antibiotics. Five patients needed lumbar drainage (LD) and only two patients had to undergo revision surgery to seal and pack the mastoid. Analyzed risk factors were age, gender, tumor size and pneumatization of the mastoid. Only the latter showed a significant influence on CSF leakage. We could demonstrate that a stepwise strategy is needed for successful treatment of CSF leaks.

Two-stage autotransplantation of human submandibular gland: a novel approach to treat postradiogenic xerostomia.

Xerostomia is a persistent side effect of radiotherapy (RT), which severely reduces the quality of life of the patients affected. Besides drug treatment and new irradiation strategies, surgical procedures aim for tissue protection of the submandibular gland. Using a new surgical approach, the submandibular gland was autotransplanted in 6 patients to the patient's forearm for the period of RT and reimplanted into the floor of the mouth 2-3 months after completion of RT. Saxon's test was performed during different time points to evaluate patient's saliva production. Furthermore patients had to answer EORTC QLQ-HN35 questionnaire and visual analog scale. Following this two-stage autotransplantation, xerostomia in the patients was markedly reduced due to improved saliva production of the reimplanted gland. Whether this promising novel approach is a reliable treatment option for RT patients in general should be evaluated in further studies.

Quality of life after microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma via the middle cranial fossa approach.

The aim of this study was to analyse the quality of life (QOL) of patients who had undergone microsurgery for vestibular schwannomas (VS). A questionnaire was sent to 117 consecutive patients who had been operated on using the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach between October 2005 and June 2011. The response rate was 91/117 (78%) of which 86 were suitable for analysis. The questionnaire consisted of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey including a self-designed, disease-specific section. Demographic data, tumour size, hearing status and facial nerve function were extracted from our VS database. Patients scored significantly lower in seven of the eight subscales of the SF-36 compared to German normative QOL data. But when compared to a normative group of patients with hearing loss, only two subscales were affected. The alteration of the subscales was correlated with objective and subjective parameters. Vertigo and postoperative hearing status could be identified as the parameters with the strongest influence on QOL.

Outcome on hearing and facial nerve function in microsurgical treatment of small vestibular schwannoma via the middle cranial fossa approach.

Encouraging results regarding hearing preservation and facial nerve function as well as increasing understanding of the natural behaviour of vestibular schwannomas have led to the recommendation of an early treatment in small VS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate current data on functional outcome of patients with small VS treated by middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach. A retrospective chart study of all cases treated by MCF approach between October 2007 and September 2011 was performed. Records were analyzed regarding demographical data, tumor size, hearing status, vestibular function and facial nerve function. Facial nerve function was classified according to the House-Brackmann scale (HB). Hearing status was classified according to the American Association of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and a modified classification of Gardner and Robertson (GR). Eighty-nine patients were included in the study; 41 % of VS was classified as intracanalicular (stage 1) and 59 % as stage 2. From 65 patients with a preoperative hearing status according to AAO-HNS A or B, 74 % still presented with A or B after surgery. Using a modified GR classification, from 70 patients categorized as class I or II prior to surgery, 70 % were still class I or II. Looking to the facial nerve function 1 week after surgery, 82 % of patients presented with HB 1 or 2. Three to twelve months later, 96 % demonstrated HB 1 or 2. A persisting facial palsy was recorded in four patients. Preoperative hearing status was evaluated as a prognostic factor for postoperative hearing, whereas no influence was detected in ABR, vestibular function and tumor length. Early diagnosis of small VS due to high-sensitive MRI requires the management of this tumor entity. Natural behaviour of VS in many cases demonstrates an increase of tumor size over time with deterioration of hearing status. The presented data underline the recommendation of an early surgical treatment in small VS as a valuable option for hearing preservation in the therapy of VS.

Use of flexible CO2 laser fiber in microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma via the middle cranial fossa approach.

The aim of this study was to analyze the results of microsurgery in vestibular schwannomas (VS) with assistance of a flexible CO(2) laser fiber (Omniguide(®)) using the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach. For that purpose we performed a prospective non-randomized clinical trial. In 20 consecutive patients suffering from VS and elected for microsurgery via the MCF approach, tumor resection was performed with the aid of the flexible CO(2) laser ("laser group", LG). Twenty patients with similar tumor volume and pre-operative hearing status out of a cohort of 76 patients previously treated by the same surgeon without laser were used as comparison group ("conventional group", CG) (matched-pair-technique). Facial weakness (House-Brackmann (HB) 2-4) was seen in early postoperative (p.o.) days in six patients in each group and all recovered completely by 3 months p.o., except one patient with HB 2 in CG. Facial nerve preservation rate (HB 1 + 2) was 100% in both groups. Hearing preservation rate (Gardner/Robertson class 1 + 2 or AAO-HNS A + B, pre- and postoperatively) was 72% in LG and 82% in CG, without significant difference. Overall time from incision to skin suture was 157 min (SD 55.9) in CG and 160 min (SD 39.7) in LG. Tumor preparation time was 23.2 min (SD 19.7) in CG and 36.1 min (SD 33.8) in LG. The use of a handheld flexible CO(2) laser fiber in VS-microsurgery is safe and subjectively facilitates tumor resection especially in "difficult" (e.g., highly vascularized) tumors. However, in this limited prospective trial the excellent functional outcome following conventional microsurgery could not be further improved, nor the surgical time reduced by means of the non-contact laser-tool. Focusing the use of the flexible CO(2) laser on "difficult" tumors may lead to different results in future.