With the treatment triad of Monitoring, Radiation Therapy, and Surgery for acoustic neuroma, this issue of Neurosurgery Clinics presents topics that inform the practitioner. . . At the present time, the only treatment that can cure the patient is removal of the tumor by surgery. Within the last 2 decades, microsurgical techniques have been pioneered and refined. Use of the operating microscope, finely scaled surgical instruments, alternate cutting & tumor reducing tools, better anesthesia, have reduced the death rate extremely. In addition, the experience gained by trained surgeons in the delicate removal process of the tumor and minimizing contact with nerves and tissue adjacent to the tumor, have improved the overall results. Because of the multi-disciplinary nature of treating acoustic neuromas, this issue discusses all treatment modes, i.e. surgery, radiation and observation and when to use each.

Topics include a selection of classic articles covering the optimal treatments for vestibular schwannoma by experts in the field: Microsurgical Anatomy of Acoustic Neuroma; Imaging of Acoustic Neuromas; Conservative Management of Acoustic Neuromas; Selection of Surgical Approach to Acoustic Neuroma; Retrosigmoid Approach for Acoustic Tumor Removal; Translabyrinthine Approach for Acoustic Tumor Removal; Transotic Approach to the Cerebellopontine Angle; Middle Fossa Approach for Acoustic Tumor Removal; Intraoperative Monitoring of Facial and Cochlear Nerves during Acoustic Neuroma Surgery; Cochlear and Brainstem Implantation; Surgical Approaches and Complications in the Removal of Vestibular Schwannomas; LINAC Radiosurgery and Radiotherapy Treatment of Acoustic Neuromas; Stereotactic Radiation Techniques in the Treatment of Acoustic Schwannomas; Guiding Patients through the Choices for Treating Vestibular Schwannomas.