A collaborative study between the University of California, Irvine Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery Division and the Acoustic Neuroma Association was recently published in the journal Otology and Neurotology. The survey was completed by 789 members of the ANA, allowing surgeons to better understand the critical decision-making process patients use in choosing surgery, radiation, or observation.

It was determined that of the 789 participants, 629 (80%) saw multiple AN specialists and 410 (52%) sought second opinions within the same specialty.

Of those who received multiple consults, 242 (59%) of patients reported receiving different opinions regarding treatment. Those who elected to choose observation instead of intervention spent significantly less time with the physician (41 minutes) compared to surgery (68 minutes) and radiation (60 minutes) patients.

A total of 32 (4%) patients stated the physician alone made the decision for treatment, and 29 (4%) felt they did not understand all possible treatment options before a final decision was made. Of the 414 patients who underwent surgery, 66 (16%) felt they were pressured by the surgeon to choose a surgical treatment. It is common for AN patients to seek second opinions from physicians of different specialties and within the same specialty. Our findings demonstrate that those who seek second opinions have higher satisfaction rates as well. Thus, physicians should facilitate and help patients seek second opinions to better understand the various treatment modalities that can be offered.

80%

Percentage of patients in sample who saw multiple AN specialists for an opinion.

52%

Percentage of patients in sample who sought second opinions within same specialty.

59%

Percentage of patients who received different opinions from doctors about treatment.

Hamid Djalilian, M.D is Director of Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery University of California, Irvine. Prior to UC Irvine, he was on the faculty at the University of Illinois, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, and UCLA. Dr. Djalilian's areas of expertise include complex ear surgery, hearing loss, balance disorders, facial nerve paralysis, and skull base surgery.