Salvage surgery following primary treatment in recurrent vestibular schwannoma: surgical outcomes and progression-free survival- a meta-analysis

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors of the eighth cranial nerve. While gross total resection (GTR) is often achieved in primary surgery, recurrence remains a therapeutic challenge. Repeat microsurgery is a key treatment option, but evidence is limited and inconsistently reported. This study systematically synthesizes current data on outcomes after repeat microsurgical resection for recurrent VS.

Audiology practice is not directly changed by this meta-analysis, but audiologists managing vestibular schwannoma patients should be aware that salvage surgery carries meaningful risk and variable progression-free survival rates, informing counseling conversations about recurrence scenarios.

Understanding outcomes after salvage surgery for recurrent vestibular schwannoma helps multidisciplinary teams—including audiologists—set realistic expectations and guide shared decision-making when primary treatment fails.

1. 01Meta-analysis synthesizes surgical outcomes for recurrent vestibular schwannoma after failed primary treatment.
2. 02Key metrics include progression-free survival and post-operative complication rates.
3. 03Salvage surgery is a high-stakes intervention given proximity to the facial nerve and brainstem.
4. 04Findings are published in Journal of Neuro-Oncology (doi: 10.1007/s11060-026-05629-w).
5. 05Results can inform counseling for patients facing recurrence after radiosurgery or microsurgery.

PMID

42215714

DOI

10.1007/s11060-026-05629-w.

Journal

Journal of Neuro-Oncology

Publication type

meta_analysis

Evidence level

1a

Population

Patients with recurrent vestibular schwannoma who underwent salvage surgery after failed primary treatment

Intervention

Salvage surgery for recurrent vestibular schwannoma