Counseling patients on surgical options for treating acoustic neuroma

Observation, radiotherapy, and surgery are accepted treatment options for patients with acoustic neuromas. There are three principle approaches for patients who choose to have their tumor surgically removed. Surgical outcomes, complication rates, tumor characteristics, and comfort level of the skull base team influence the choice surgical approach. This article reviews selected articles in the recent literature reporting surgical outcomes and complications associated with removal of an acoustic neuroma and provides a logical outline for counseling patients about surgical options before referral to a skull base team.