Why is this procedure done?
This surgery is done to take out a tumor in your ear. Your doctor may do it if the tumor in your ear is growing and it causes danger to your life. It is also done when the tumor causes hearing or balance problems. ‚
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What will the results be?
The results will depend on the size of tumor. If the tumor is still small, your hearing may be saved and your signs may improve. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-ray of the throat and upper spine
- CT or MRT scan
- Hearing test
- A test to check your balance
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will clean and shave a small area by your ear.
- The doctor will make a cut by your ear to open this area in your head. The doctor will use a tool to see the exact location of the tumor. Then, the tumor will be removed.
- The doctor closes the opening in the skull with stitches or staples.
- The procedure takes 5 to 8 hours. This will depend on the size and location of the tumor.
What happens after the procedure?
You will stay at least 1 night in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for monitoring. You will be in the hospital for 4 to 7 days for recovery. You will receive drugs to help with the pain after surgery. You may notice changes in your hearing or balance after the tumor is taken out. It can also affect the nerves in your face. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You can also expect to have MRI scans done yearly or more often to check if the tumor returns. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Minor bleeding
- Allergic skin reaction
- Skin numbness
- Painful scar
- Facial nerve damage
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Sudden shortness of breath or a sudden onset of chest pain could be a sign that a blood clot has traveled to your lungs. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; pain when the cut is touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up
- Hearing loss, ringing in your ears, or dizziness
- Headaches get worse
- Upset stomach and throwing up for more than 2 days
- Drugs you use for pain do not work
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders ‚
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/Pages/acoustic_neuroma.aspx ‚
National Organization of Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/45/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚