Selective subperineurial dissection in vestibular schwannoma surgery: how I do it

BACKGROUND: The dissection plane in vestibular schwannoma surgery significantly influences facial and cochlear nerve outcomes. Although histological studies demonstrate that the "tumor capsule" represents vestibular nerve perineurium, epicapsular dissection along its outer surface remains prevalent in clinical practice. METHOD: We describe subperineurial dissection, removing tumor from beneath the perineurium while preserving this protective layer on the facial and cochlear nerves. Key steps include early internal auditory canal drilling and identification of the true perineurial plane. CONCLUSION: Subperineurial dissection prioritizes nerve function over radical resection, achieving high rates of facial nerve preservation with acceptable tumor control.