THE LEARNING-CURVE FOR ACOUSTIC TUMOR SURGERY

Although operative experience is considered to be critically important in the surgical management of acoustic tumors, little objective evide nce substantiates this claim, The present study was undertaken to dete rmine whether a learning curve exists for acoustic tumor surgery. The first 96 acoustic tumor patients managed surgically by a new neurotolo gic team were retrospectively reviewed, A significant improvement (P < .0003; F = 6.32) in the ability to achieve good (grade II or better) postoperative facial nerve function was identified, Improving trends f or complete resection rate and hearing preservation were documented, a nd the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks declined; however, statistical significance was not achieved. For postoperative facial n erve function, approximately 60 cases were necessary before the new te am achieved results similar to those of highly experienced surgeons. T he frequencies of complete resection, CSF leaks, hearing preservation, stroke, and mortality were comparable to those of experienced neuroto logic teams. The findings of this study may have implications for both patient care and physician training.