Minimally Invasive Endoscopic and Endoscopy-Assisted Microsurgery of Vestibular Schwannoma

Endoscopic techniques have revolutionized the practice of surgery in a number of specialities. Endoscopes have the ability to provide high magnification and illumination of the operative field, as well as the possibility to look around the corner past obstructing tissues and structures, thus allowing for more radical and safer surgeries. With several clinical applications, smaller incisions and surgical approaches are now possible, resulting in decreased postoperative pain, faster rehabilitation, better cosmetic results, and shorter hospitalization. Similar to other specialities the endoscope represents an established component of the contemporary skull base surgery armamentarium. Its application in various skull base, otologic and neurosurgical procedures, either as a sole visualizing tool or as an adjunct to the microscope, is constantly expanding. The aim of this chapter is to review the application of endoscopic techniques in the treatment of vestibular schwannoma.