Artikel
Semisitting position in vestibular schwannoma surgery improves facial nerve outcome in the early postoperative course – a re-evaluation of a randomized, multi-center trial
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Veröffentlicht: | 18. Juni 2018 |
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Objective: There are ongoing discussions concerning the positioning of the patient in vestibular schwannoma surgery. Factors to consider include preservation of cranial nerve functions, extent of tumor resection, and complications.
Methods: 97 patients of a randomized, multi-center trial investigating the efficacy of prophylactic nimodipine in vestibular schwannoma surgery were analyzed retrospectively. All procedures were performed via a retrosigmoid approach. The semisitting position was chosen in 56 patients, whereas 41 patients were treated in supine position.
Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant better facial nerve function in the early postoperative course in the semisitting group (p=0.003), in particular concerning severe facial nerve paresis (House-Brackmann grade 4 or worse) (p=0.002). However, one year after surgery facial nerve function recovered and was comparable in both groups (p=0.088). There were no significant differences between both groups regarding hearing preservation rates and extent of resection. Venous air embolism with need to break the surgery was only observed in one patient with semisitting positioning.
Conclusion: The semisitting position shows better facial nerve function in the early postoperative course as compared to the supine position. However, venous air embolism remains a serious risk of semisitting positioning. The choice of positioning should be carefully discussed with the patient.