Quality of Life Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery

ObjectiveThis study evaluates quality of life (QOL) in patients following surgery for vestibular schwannoma (VS) using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), and a pain questionnaire.Material and methodThe questionnaires were sent to 95 patients who had undergone surgery at our institution. The impact of several factors on self-assessed QOL was also evaluated.ResultsThe response rate was 72 %. Considering overall QOL, 30 % patients reported that QOL became better, 56% patients said it was worse, and in 14 % patients it remained the same. No differences in postoperative QOL were found when comparing side, gender, age, tumor size, hearing preservation, or post-operative facial function. Deterioration of postoperative QOL was less frequent in patients with vertigo and brain stem compression before surgery. Post-operative pain was associated with poorer QOL.ConclusionsQOL becomes worse in several cases after surgery for VS. However, patients must understand that the main goal of VS surgery is to avoid life-threatening complications or death.

ObjetivoEvaluar la calidad de vida (CV) tras la cirugía del schwannoma vestibular (SV) utilizando el Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) y un cuestionario para el dolor.Material y métodoEnviamos cuestionarios a 95 pacientes intervenidos en nuestro servicio. Analizamos la influencia de factores clínicos y epidemiológicos en la CV.ResultadosContestó el 72 % de los pacientes. Considerando la CV general, en el 30 % mejoró, en el 56 % empeoró y en el 14 % no varió. No encontramos relación de la CV con el lado, el sexo, la edad, el tamaño tumoral, la preservación de la audición o la función facial. La CV se deteriora menos frecuentemente en pacientes con vértigo o compresión de tronco antes de la cirugía, y más en pacientes con dolor postoperatorio.ConclusionesLa CV se deteriora en un número considerable de pacientes. El paciente debe comprender que el principal objetivo de la cirugía es evitar complicaciones vitales.