Hi BeninBK,
I am 3 months postop from my surgery with Dr Friedman/Giannotta at USC. I fortunately have had the dream outcome and recovery. I also had hearing presevation with retrosigmoid approach and have no headache concerns as well (some mention this as a possible downside of this approach which is likely overstated with modern techniques at high volume centers).
As a practicing surgeon I, like everyone else, was interested in not only having a surgical outcome free of complications, but wanted to get back to work asap! Luckily, i was able to do that in 4-5 weeks and was at full speed within 8 weeks.
I discussed having middle fossa with Dr Friedman and he recommended against it for my tumor based on size and location. My point is he will recommend the approach that is best for your specific situation in his hands, and, like in my case, will not do it if he feels it isn't "right". For whatever reason, I was hoping for middle fossa as I suspected recovery would be quicker, but he did not feel it was right for my particular tumor. Luckily, it turned out perfectly well with retrosigmoid!
I can only speak about my experience which was obviously very positive. I am better than i was before surgery and been that way for over a month now. As many say, go with your gut and do what feels right. good luck and if you want to speak about my experience in more detail please contact me directly. Take care
