Patient-assessed outcomes after excision of acoustic neuroma: postoperative symptoms and quality of life

Object. The aim of this study was to assess whether outcomes from excision of acoustic neuroma vary among patients and have a material impact on their quality of life (QOL). Methods. A questionnaire concerning postoperative symptoms and the Short Fo rm 36 (SF-36) QOL instrument were mailed to 97 consecutive patients who had undergone acoustic neuroma surgery via the translabyrinthine approach. The survey response rate was 78% and the symptomatology was consistent with ot her reports, supporting the representativeness of the sample. The respondents' QOL was rated significantly below published norms and thei r work capacity was reportedly reduced. Specifically, the following SF-36 d imensions were reduced: physical functioning and role-physical, together wi th vitality, general health, and social functioning. Greater numbers of pos toperative symptoms and larger tumors were associated with a worse rating o f physical functioning. More severe balance problems were associated with l ower ratings of social functioning. The disparity between the patient's sel f-estimate and self-measurement and the clinician's assessment of the patie nt's facial functioning raises doubts about the validity of subjective repo rts and assessment. Conclusions. The present study supports the use of generic QOL measures to assess: outcome and to draw comparisons between different populations.