Postauricular Approach for Enucleation of Cervical Vagal Schwannomas.

Abstract

This study evaluates the outcomes of intracapsular enucleation using the retroauricular hairline incision (RAHI) approach for treating cervical vagal schwannomas. A longitudinal study was conducted on patients with cervical vagal schwannomas. Eleven patients who underwent RAHI-based enucleation were included. Preoperative imaging was performed using contrast-enhanced MRI. Postoperative evaluations assessed pain, neurological function, cosmetic outcomes, voice, and swallowing functions. Eleven patients underwent surgery. The median tumor size was 4.6 cm. The median operation time was 42 min, with minimal bleeding. Common complications were earlobe numbness (45%) and temporary vocal cord paralysis (27%), which were resolved within a year. Cosmetic satisfaction was high, with median VAS scores of nine for scars and 10 for facial deformities. No significant dysphagia was found. No recurrences were observed over a median follow-up of 79 months. Intracapsular enucleation using the RAHI approach is a safe and effective method for treating cervical vagal schwannomas.