Decompression Surgery for Facial Nerve Schwannoma in the Temporal Bone

Abstract

In the treatment of intratemporal bone facial nerve schwannoma, those with a mild paralysis score are often considered for observation, while those with a score of 20 or less are often considered for total excision, including nerve reconstruction. Also, if the paralysis progresses during follow-up, facial nerve decompression surgery is recommended. At our institution, we have obtained good results with transmastoid and transmidcranial fossa facial nerve decompression surgeries. Nerve decompression surgery is associated with a low risk of functional impairment and is less likely to interfere with any additional treatment that may be required afterwards, so that it seems appropriate to widen the range of surgical indications.