Hi, and welcome.
I had retrosigmoid surgery for a 1.5 cm AN on 5/31/07; my other option was GK. I chose surgery because I wanted to have the AN removed; I didn't want to wait to see if the radiation stopped the growth nor did I want to deal with lots of followup MRI's. I also wanted to know what side effects I would encounter up front and I'd heard that side effects from the GK can take anywhere from 6-18 months to surface. That said, my neurotologist stressed that everyone is different, has different objectives, responds differently, and that surgery vs radiation is a personal choice in some cases. He feels that if you have a choice, the choice is best left up to you. So he told me about each procedure, side-effects, etc. In the end, I just wanted the AN gone, so I chose surgery.
I have no idea if surgerical procedures have improved over time or not, but I do know that the most important thing is to make sure your doctor has done numerous AN surgeries - you definitely want someone with experience. In my opinion, you also want someone who can answer your questions, put your mind at ease, relate to what you're going through, and is confident he or she can perform the procedure.
The ANA has some excellent literature on ANs that details the available options. I found it very helpful and very informative. It reiterated a lot of what my doctor told me, but it also described things in basic (non-technical) language that helped to clarify what my doctor said. If you haven't read the literature yet, I encourage you to do so.
I think I made the right choice and I am fortunate to have minimal side effects. I had some facial nerve damage for 1 - 2 days post op, but it was rectified with a dose of steroids. My surgery was 7 1/2 hours and I did experience nausea, dizziness, double-vision, and balance issues, but am happy to say they have all cleared up. I spent 5 nights in the hospital; the neurosurgeon would have let me go after 4, but the neurotologist and I felt I needed another night. Today, my biggest issues are metallic taste in mouth, dryness in my left eye (AN was on left) and tiredness (which I hear is normal since I'm still in recovery). I returned to work part time after 2 1/2 weeks (desk job) and full time after 5 weeks.
To me the biggest shock of the surgery was the recovery process; but it's nothing you can't get through. My neurotologist did his best to tell me what it would be like, but I thought I knew better. I had never been hospitalized, except for the birth of my twins (no C-section) and I went home the next day. I had never had major surgery before (only outpatient). So, waking up in the ICU was a bigger deal than I had expected. But, I got better each day I was in the hospital, and have continued to get better every day since then. My scar is almost covered by my hair, which I wear short, and I'm looking forward to a BAHA implant early next year. Although one of our goals was to save the hearing in my left ear, it unfortunately didn't happen. However, I consider the surgery a big success and am glad I made the choice I did. I have to do a followup MRI in 1 year, but I'm confident it won't show anything.
I can't speak for the GK, but if you do chose surgery, make sure you have family or friends to help you during your recovery. I am a single parent, with two 11-year olds, and having my sister and parents help out was a huge asset. For a while you can't lift heavy things, bend at the waist, drive a car, etc., plus you will be very tired. Without the help of others, I could have never done this.
Good luck. I'm sure whatever choice you make it will be right for you.
