Factors influencing the preservation of the facial nerve during acoustic surgery.

We reviewed the last 30 acoustic neuromas excised in our department and attempted to find out the factors associated with preservation of the facial and cochlear nerves. While the size of the tumour was the most important factor, vascularity and consistency were both important. Facial and cochlear nerves were preserved in 63% and 10% of the patients respectively. The importance of early diagnosis cannot be overemphasized.