Quality of life after vestibular schwannoma surgery: does hearing preservation make a difference?

Iyer, A.P. , Gunn, R. and Sillars, H. (2010) Quality of life after vestibular schwannoma surgery: does hearing preservation make a difference? Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 124(4), pp. 370-373. (doi: 10.1017/s0022215109992040) (PMID:19941684)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Objective: Surgery for vestibular schwannoma may reduce patients' quality of life, but the effect of hearing preservation on this process is not fully understood. Our aim was to determine whether hearing preservation makes a difference to patients' quality of life in this clinical setting. Study design: Retrospective questionnaire and cross-sectional survey. Methods: The study included 104 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for vestibular schwannoma between 1998 and 2004. Surgery was via a middle cranial fossa route in 24 patients and a translabyrinthine route in 79. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory. Results: Quality of life was reduced in both patient groups, with a mean Glasgow Benefit Inventory score of −7.5 (confidence interval (CI) −13 to −2.5) in the translabyrinthine patients and −4 (confidence interval −13.5 to 5.5) in the middle fossa patients. The SF-36 scores did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups, except for social function (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Surgery for vestibular schwannoma reduces patients' quality of life, and the preservation of hearing, achieved by using a middle fossa surgical approach, does not significantly alter this result.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Iyer, Mr Arunachalam
Authors: Iyer, A.P., Gunn, R., and Sillars, H.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Journal of Laryngology and Otology
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:0022-2151
ISSN (Online):1748-5460
Published Online:27 November 2009

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record