Acoustic neuroma originates from Schwann cells covering the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII). While most grow slowly, they can interfere with hearing, balance, and even facial movements if untreated. Symptoms often include gradual hearing loss in one ear, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), unsteadiness, and occasionally headaches or facial numbness. Surgical intervention is recommended when tumors are large, symptomatic, or causing brainstem compression. Treatment aims to remove or reduce the tumor while protecting critical nerves responsible for hearing and facial movement.
Accurate diagnosis begins with audiometry tests to assess hearing, followed by MRI scans to evaluate the size and location of the tumor. Detailed surgical planning is crucial to determine the right approach — translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, or middle cranial fossa — depending on tumor size and hearing preservation goals. At Yashoda Hospitals, neuronavigation, intraoperative monitoring, and high-resolution imaging are used to plan surgery with utmost precision. Dr. Vamsi Krishna combines imaging studies with detailed neurological evaluations to choose the safest and most effective surgical route for each patient.
Surgery involves accessing the tumor through the skull base while carefully navigating surrounding nerves and blood vessels. The choice of procedure depends on tumor size, location, and patient condition. For small tumors, hearing-preserving approaches like middle cranial fossa or retrosigmoid craniotomy are considered. For larger tumors, a translabyrinthine approach is often chosen, which sacrifices hearing but ensures complete tumor access and removal. Advanced microsurgical and endoscope-assisted skull base techniques are used to maximize safety and minimize damage. Throughout surgery, nerve monitoring helps preserve facial and cranial nerve functions.
Recovery from acoustic neuroma surgery varies with tumor size and surgical approach. Patients typically experience shorter hospital stays due to minimally invasive techniques. Some may have temporary dizziness, balance issues, or facial weakness, which improve with physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Hearing outcomes depend on tumor size and approach used. Postoperative follow-ups include imaging to check for residual tumor and hearing evaluations to monitor recovery. Rehabilitation programs often include balance training, speech therapy, and lifestyle guidance, ensuring patients return to daily life with confidence and stability.
When it comes to skull base and brain tumor surgery, expertise matters. Dr. Vamsi Krishna, with advanced fellowship training in skull base neurosurgery and neuro-oncology, specializes in managing complex acoustic neuromas with precision. At Yashoda Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad, he performs surgery using advanced neuronavigation, intraoperative monitoring, and high-definition microscopes for safe and effective outcomes. His patient-first approach ensures clear communication, personalized treatment, and compassionate post-surgical care. By combining advanced techniques with deep experience, he provides the highest standards of care for patients with acoustic neuromas, making him a trusted name for acoustic neuroma surgery in Hyderabad.
