Approaches to Surgery for Acoustic Neuroma

Stanford doctors use various surgical approaches for safe and effective operations. The approach and success of surgery depend on the location and size of the tumor.

Removing even some of the tumor can reduce symptoms and allow you to move forward with other types of treatment.

Translabyrinthine craniotomy
This surgical approach begins with an incision behind the ear to remove small bones, including some in the inner ear which support your balance. This allows the surgeon to reach and remove as much of the tumor as possible through the shortest approach.  This approach is utilized for patients that have poor or absent hearing.

Retrosigmoid craniotomy (Keyhole brain surgery)
This is a surgical approach allows your surgeon to access tumors located near the cerebellum and brainstem. It begins with a small incision behind the ear through which your surgeon accesses and removes as much of the tumor as possible.

Middle fossa
This surgical approach is used for smaller acoustic neuroma tumors and begins with a small incision above the ear and along the temple. A tiny section of bone is removed to expose the auditory canal and to allow your surgeon to access and remove as much of the tumor as possible.