Well, I'm adding my 2 cents late, for what it's worth.. (probably about 2 cents).
I did not use the same doctor as Lisa A. However, my surgeon is highly regarded, exceptionally skilled, extremely gifted and is just an all around good guy as well. He has also patented some of his own tools of the trade used during AN surgeries, specifically real-time nerve monitoring, which I was happily a guinea pig for during the testing stages.
He has also published much of his research. He has also never had a patient expire or have a seizure and has a very low incidence of CSF leaks.
I do have facial nerve issues, but God himself could have done my surgery and it would not have mattered, as my AN was totally adherent to the facial nerve and it was so damaged prior to my surgery that there was not much hope of it ever working. I had facial nerve symptoms prior to my diagnosis, which is was sent me to the doctor in the first place.
As everyone else has said, of course I'm glad that some people come through this experience pretty much none the worse for the wear and I'm always thrilled to hear of a perfect outcome. The way I see it, the fact that any of us are here to discuss this is a pretty darn good outcome. The fact that I'm alive and well is reason enough for me to sing the praises of my surgeons and I'm pretty much convinced they walk on water. I have a feeling a good percentage of us feel that way about our surgeons. My doctors were right for me and other people had doctors that were right for them. That doesn't make someone else's doctor wrong because it wasn't the same one I chose.
I don't think any surgeon goes into an AN surgery recklessly - they want a good outcome just as much as we do, but some things are just not guaranteed - like hearing preservation or facial nerve weakness. Sometimes the tumor is in control and the best doctor in the world can't change that.
I think the most important thing is that each patient find the doctor that is the right fit for him/her.
Lori
p.s. Kaybo - you ARE losing it.
