Preliminary examinations before an acoustic neuroma operation

There are no standardised preliminary examinations immediately before the operation to be carried out in the clinic performing the operation. In depends on the degree, quality and how up-to-date the examinations are that are carried out during the diagnosis stage, as well as on the philosophy of the surgeon. Many would simply like to have an up-to-date data, which is accrued in their clinic with technology that they know. There are also no reasons to be mistrusting with regards to old diagnosis results and also to fear that you are a particularly complicated case, and belong to a risk group because so many preliminary examinations have been arranged. The preliminary examinations serve to plan the operation and they should prevent anything unexpected complicating the course of the operation. They also offer current possibilities to compare with the post-operation status.

The following preliminary examinations may be scheduled and carried out – generally, two days before the op date:

• X-ray of the throat and thoracic spine
• Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) of the skull,
• Speech and tone audiograms and BAEP measurements (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential – BAEP),
• Ultrasound measurements of the heart (ECG and TEE),
• Blood examination.

The preliminary examinations end with information about the operation and anaesthesia. The examinations are all painless, and they pass the time and distract the patient before the operation. On request the patient may receive sedative medication or a shot the night before.