The history and evolution of vestibular schwannoma surgery: a comprehensive review

Vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery has had a compelling historical evolution. This article aimed to provide a detailed narrative historical review of the chronological progression and conception of surgical VS management. Acknowledgment of the development, revision, and transformation of VS surgery over the decades facilitate a comprehensive understanding of current clinical practice and the scope for further procedural evolution. Following the commencement of VS surgery in the late 18th century, procedures and management have been perpetually revised and augmented, culminating in drastically improved surgical outcomes. This article draws upon the primary source material to provide augmented acuity into the principal pioneers and landmark cases that define the surgery’s trajectory. Moreover, the article includes original interpretive artwork by the first author along with a detailed timeline to facilitate enhanced perspicacity of this unique and salient constituent in surgical history.