Changes in pre- and postoperative Quality-of-life of patients with small acoustic neuromas

Acoustic neuromas (AN) are generally benign tumors arising from the 8th cranial nerve. Besides hearing preservation and facial nerve function, changes in quality-of-life (QOL) are relevant factors for therapy planning.

From 2013 to 2018, 146 patients with a T1 or T2 acoustic neuroma underwent surgery at our hospital. Quality of life (QOL) was evaluated with the SF-36 survey. 86 patients completed the questionnaire before surgery and 83 > 1 year postoperatively. 59 patients completed both questionnaires. Additionally, clinical data was collected.

In comparison to the German normative QOL Data, AN patients show a significant deterioration of quality of life in 6 of 8 SF-36 subscales. Compared to the normative group of patients with hearing loss, 4 of 8 subscales were affected. The analysis of predictors did not show any significant relation between tumor volume, facial function, vertigo and quality of life. A good hearing status had an impact on 2 subscales and age had an impact on one subscale. Postoperative QOL was significantly different to the German normative data in 7 out of 8 SF-36 items, but there was no significant change compared to preoperative QOL in all 8 subscales.

The results of this study demonstrate, that AN patients already suffer from an impairment of their QOL before treatment. The QOL does not change significantly after surgery. Most of the investigated predictors had no significant impact on the quality of life. Therefore, the diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma might already affect the patient’s QOL in a negative manner. This is of importance, to be able to inform patients about a potential change of their QOL.

Poster-PDF A-1414.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020