Vestibular Testing and Length of Stay After Translabyrinthine Resection of Vestibular Schwannoma

Introduction: Symptoms of vestibular schwannomas (VS) most commonly include asymmetrical hearing loss and tinnitus. Vertigo and imbalance can be common symptom but occur less frequently than the former symptoms. Patients undergoing translabyrinthine resection of these tumors undergo complete ablation of the vestibular system through transection of the vestibular nerves and labyrinthectomy. These patients may have significant dizziness postoperatively which may be a major factor in hospital length of stay. It is unknown if those undergoing these surgeries with better vestibular function on videonystagmography (VNG) have longer LOS than those with already diminished function.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 200 consecutive patients undergoing translabyrinthine resection of vestibular schwannomas. Patients without a preoperative VNG or those with a postoperative complication affecting LOS were excluded. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment characteristics and vestibular symptoms and testing were obtained. Analysis was performed to determine which factors may be associated with length of stay.

Results: One hundred sixty-seven patients were included in this study. Forty patients (24%) had 100% unilateral weakness on the affected side and 15 patients (9%) had no weakness. Preoperative VNG had no effect on LOS (p > 0.05). Only two patients had preoperative vestibular rehabilitation, 20 patients had postoperative rehabilitation with no effect on length of stay (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Vestibular function in patients with vestibular schwannomas can vary, with some patients have normal function while others have a complete loss of function on the affected side. Additionally, preoperative vestibular function does not impact length of hospital stay after translabyrinthine resection of vestibular Schwannoma.

Publication History

Article published online:
07 February 2025