Retrosigmoid surgery vs. Gamma Knife

[amurgatroyd]

I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma a year ago. I have been offered both the Retrosigmoid surgical approach and the Gama Knife radio surgery approach. I am hoping to learn what others think the best approach may be for me given my circumstances, and what the pros and cons are for each procedure.

I am a 64 year old, but fit and in good health. I recently ran a half marathon. My acoustic neuroma measures 0.3 x 1.1 x 0.3 cm, which makes it small and under the 3cm standard where both approaches are possible.

I had a recent growth of the tumor, twice the normal growth, in a 7 month period. My symptoms are significant, but "serviceable" right sided hearing. I do get episodes of dizziness about 1 or 2 twice a month.

Thanks so much,

Anthony