[Results of hearing preservation via middle fossa approach in surgery for acoustic neurinoma].

The results of hearing preservation surgery in a series of 10 patients with 10 unilateral acoustic neuromas are reported. Mortality was 0%, complications including rhinoliquorrhoea occurred in 10%, and the tumour was removed in 100%. Hearing preservation was obtained in 80%. Normal or nearly normal postoperative facial nerve function evaluated one year after surgery was achieved in all cases. According to House-Brackmann classification, 60% had HB-1 and 40% had HB-2. The fact that no audiovestibular or electrophysiological examinations are specific for acoustic neuroma can not be overemphasized. Early diagnosis of these small tumors in patients with good hearing has made this kind of surgery possible.