Translabyrinthine removal of large acoustic tumors.

The translabyrinthine technique was used to remove tumors of various sizes in 50 cases. Outcome is presented stressing immediate and eventual facial function, for tumors measuring 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 mm. Immediate facial function is a good predictor of permanent facial activity; regeneration of the facial nerve gives good but never perfect function. Except for preservation of hearing, translabyrinthine surgery gives equally good and probably better results than other techniques.