Retrosigmoid outcomes at House

[TomBVA]

I am close to scheduling retrosigmoid at House.  I have high confidence in House, but less confident in retrosigmoid.  For those who have had retrosig at House please let me know how it went.  I am interested in hearing preservation outcomes, I have been told 50/50 by House.  Interestingly, another respected institution on the east coast gave me lower odds on hearing preservation.

[nftwoed]

Hello;

   How large is the tumor to be receiving RS? HEI is pretty hard to beat any method, as I believe they developed and perfected all 3 approaches. There have been some individualized, modified approaches.

[TomBVA]

1.6cm.   Upon a follow up consult with House, Middle Fossa hasn't been ruled out, but I need to make the decision between MF and retrosig.   The higher risk to the facial nerve was mentioned with Mid Fossa.  I am unsure which procedure to choose.

[nftwoed]

Hi;

   Possibly a higher risk to the auditory nerve with RS and greater potential for post op side effects in some?
   Technically, MCF uses a mirror to look back toward the facial nerve. In some, the nerve lies right on top the IAC.
   This is just personal, but I pretty well trust HEI with Mid Fossa.

[TomBVA]

Thanks.   I take it you had a good mid fossa outcome?  How large was tumor? 

[jetatp]

Hi

I am scheduled for surgery at HEI using the Mid Fossa approach. I still have 88% speech recognition in my ear so Dr Friedman has recommended that type of surgery. I
completely trust the Doctors at HEI. I believe they are one of the best in the country for dealing with AN.

[Jim Scott]

Jetatp ~

And most of us would agree.  Although there are many fine neurosurgeons with extensive AN removal experience located throughout the U.S., sometimes they are difficult to find.  Making HEI a prudent choice for AN surgery.  My neurosurgeon was highly experienced with AN surgery (he did a fantastic job ) - and was located just 30 miles from my home.  However, had I not found this excellent doctor, HEI was my fallback choice.  I believe many AN patients feel that way based on HEI's outstanding reputation.   

I wish you complete success with your upcoming AN surgery.  Please stop by to update us when you can.  Thanks. 

Jim

[kmr1969]

Tom,

I can't speak to the retro approach at House, but I can tell you that the doctors and nurses were terrific.  I had translab done there in November.  Unfortunately, while my hearing was still good, the tumor was too large and I was given 0% of saving my hearing while getting it out.

I hope you end up on the right side of that 50/50 that House gave you.

Good luck,

Ken