As the date of your acoustic neuroma surgery approaches, you likely have plenty on your mind about what to expect. Educating yourself on your upcoming surgery will give you a better idea of what your procedure will involve, things you can do in preparation beforehand, what to expect when you arrive and instructions following surgery. Because no two patients are exactly alike, your experience and instructions from your doctor may vary slightly. Any directions your doctor gives you should take precedence and be followed exactly. The information found here is to help you get a general understanding of what to expect, as no two cases are alike.
Overview of Acoustic Neuroma Surgery
An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that arises from the eighth cranial nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance, which explains the symptoms you may be experiencing. The cranial nerves originate in the brain and radiate out towards their targets throughout the body, primarily within the head and neck. Sometimes traditional surgery is not necessary and a patient may simply be monitored or treated using another method, such as stereotactic radiosurgery. However, in some cases, surgery is necessary to prevent further nerve damage and the progression of symptoms, especially in younger patients and/or patients with large tumors.
Your acoustic neuroma surgery will take place within a hospital setting and you will be placed under general anesthesia. The surgery itself typically takes five to six hours and you can expect to spend approximately three days in the hospital. At the start of the procedure, the surgeon will perform a craniotomy, in which he or she removes a small section of your skull to easily access the area with the tumor. Your surgeon will carefully remove either all or part of your tumor, depending on your individual case. The section of skull will be replaced and the incision site will be closed using sutures or staples. Following your surgery, you will be monitored to ensure your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure remain stable. Once stabilized, you will be moved to your recovery room, where you will continue to be monitored until you are ready to be released to recover at home.
How to Prepare for Your Acoustic Neuroma Surgery
Prior to your acoustic neuroma surgery, your doctor will give you clear instructions about any modifications you may need to make to your medications, as well as any food and beverage restrictions. You will not be allowed to consume anything after midnight prior to your surgery, except for a sip of water to take any medicine in the morning. However, your doctor will give you individualized directions, which you must follow for your comfort and safety. Following your procedure, you will be placed on some activity restrictions. One way to prepare beforehand is to arrange for help with things like child care, household chores and running errands during this period. Stock up on groceries and household necessities prior to your surgery, if possible, so you can focus your energy on recovering.
Following your procedure, you will be placed on some activity restrictions. One way to prepare beforehand is to arrange for help with things like child care, household chores and running errands during this period. Stock up on groceries and household necessities prior to your surgery, if possible, so you can focus your energy on recovering.
When/Where to Arrive
You should plan to arrive at the hospital two hours before your procedure. When you arrive, check in at the front desk, which should be visible from the main entryway. You will first be taken back to your room to drop off your belongings and prepare for your procedure and then will head to the operating room. One reason for your early arrival is the extra time needed to set up for your procedure. Your surgeon will be using neurophysiological monitoring to receive real-time feedback about the status of your nerves throughout the procedure. Because of the delicate nature of acoustic neuroma surgery and the proximity to the brainstem and cranial nerves, the extra information provided by neurophysiological monitoring can be essential.
Following Pre-Op & Recovery Instructions
The importance of following any instructions from your doctor exactly cannot be stressed enough, both before and following your acoustic neuroma surgery. They are for your comfort and safety and your doctor has made these recommendations based on your individual condition and needs. Prior to your surgery, be sure to take only medications you have been instructed to, including over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements. These could interfere with your anesthesia or affect your surgery if taken incorrectly. The same goes for dietary restrictions, which are just as important and should be taken seriously.
Following your surgery, your doctor will be giving you activity restrictions. You have undergone a delicate procedure and these guidelines are also to ensure you are comfortable and to prevent injury. If you feel like you can perform activities before restrictions are lifted, be sure to consult your doctor first and he or she can give you advice. Try to have patience and understand that you may have to take baby steps through your recovery and ease back into your activities.
Rest Easy With Peace of Mind
Knowing a little more about what to expect before, during and after your acoustic neuroma surgery is a great way to prepare yourself mentally for your procedure. Remember, the most important thing you can do is follow your doctor’s instructions, which have been given based specifically on your condition and your individual needs. If at any point you have questions or need clarification, be sure to bring it up with your doctor, who can help set your mind at ease. The less stress you have surrounding the details of your procedure, the more you can focus on resting and recovering when it matters most.
