The behaviour of residual tumour after the intentional incomplete excision of a vestibular schwannoma: is it such a bad thing to leave some behind?

Abstract

Given that the primary surgery for the VS was only for tumours that were relatively large or grew during conservative treatment, the low rate of tumour remnant growth (7%) is reassuring. It may be appropriate to have a lower threshold for leaving tumour on the facial nerve in non-NF2 patients where complete resection may jeopardise facial nerve function.