Author Description

Available treatment options for persons with acoustic neuroma are microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgey (SRS) and watchful waiting. Microsurgery is the primary treatment option for acoustic neuroma. Surgical techniques continue to evolve. Surgical removal of these tumours requires considerable expertise to maintain low morbidity and mortality rates. There is evidence, from methodologically weak studies, that SRS is efficacious in treatment of acoustic neuroma in suitably selected individuals. Evidence on the comparative effectiveness of SRS of SRS and microsurgery remains limited. Both SRS and microsurgery have associated short-term and long-term complications. Watch waiting is preferred for older persons with slow growing tumours. Regardless of the modality of treatment, it is imperative that patients be referred to centres of excellence. These would be centres that treat large numbers of patients with acoustic neuroma.