Surgery

For most of those affected by an acoustic neuroma, surgery is the likely treatment option. There are three surgery variations (approaches) depending on the tumor size, location and the amount of hearing present. Acoustic neuroma surgery requires many hours to complete and involves an overnight observation period in a neurological intensive care unit. Vital signs and nerve functions are monitored during these 7 surgeries. Hospitalization after surgery varies from three to seven days.

The removal of an acoustic tumor is a major surgical procedure, with possibilities of serious complications, including death. Risks and complications of acoustic tumor treatment vary with the size of the tumor. Larger tumors are associated with more severe and frequent complications. The risk involved with acoustic neuromas and their treatment must never be minimized.