Quality of Life in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma after Treatment: Short Form-36 Based Study

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life(QOL) of patients with vestibular schwannoma(VS) and to compare QOL among subtotal resection(STR) group, radical resection(RR) group, and gamma knife surgery only (GKS) group, we report a retrospective analysis of consecutive 104 patients with VS who were treated between 1997 and 2000. METHODS: The STR group included 31 patients, RR group did 26, and GKS only did 47. Various approaches such as retrosigmoid transmeatal approach(45), translabyrinthine approach(4), transotic approach(2), middle fossa approach(3), and combined approach(3) were used. A questionnaire concerning postoperative symptoms and the Short Form 36(SF-36) QOL instrument were mailed to 104 patients with VS. Follow-up imaging studies, Karnofsky performance scale(KPS) scores, and SF-36 scores at the last follow-up were assessed. The mean duration of follow-up was 33.4 months. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 51%(53 patients). The postoperative QOL in VS patients, as quantified by the eight SF-36 health scales was less than the appropriate matched healthy standard. Furthermore there were differences between the doctor's assessment(KPS) and the patient's assessment(SF-36). Facial nerve outcome had little influence on QOL in VS patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with VS have a significant impairment of their QOL. In the selection of treatment options for VS, the QOL of patient should be considered seriously.