Prevalence and patterns of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following vestibular schwannoma surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a potentially serious complication following surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma, a benign tumor originating from Schwann cells of the vestibulocochlear nerve. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CVST following surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma and the factors contributing to its occurrence.

Two independent researchers searched the global databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to September 01, 2023. We employed a random-effects model for data analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² test. To assess the quality of the studies meeting our inclusion criteria, we employed the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist.

We included 23 articles in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of CVST after vestibular schwannoma surgery was 6.4% (95%CI 3.4–11.5%). The pooled prevalence of CVST following the retrosigmoid (RS), translabyrinthine (TL), and middle cranial fossa (MCF) approaches was 4.8% (95%CI 2.0–11.0%), 9.6% (95%CI 4.3–20.3%) and 9.9% (95%CI 1.6–42.2%), respectively, revealing a significant difference between the TL and the RS approaches (Odds ratio = 2.10, 95%CI 1.45–3.04, P < 0.001). The sigmoid sinus exhibited the highest post-operative thrombosis rate (7.9%), surpassing the transverse sinus (3.7%) and involvement of both sigmoid and transverse sinuses (1.6%), respectively. No significant associations were found with demographic or surgical factors.

In the current meta-analysis, we identified a 6.4% CVST prevalence following vestibular schwannoma surgery, with varying rates depending on the surgical approach. No significant associations with patient or surgical factors were found, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical vigilance and further research in this context.

Trail Registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD42023453513.