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Introduction Conservative management of patients with a stable vestibular schwannoma (VS) places a significant burden on National Health Service (NHS) resources and yet patients' surveillance management is often inconsistent. Our unit has developed a standardised pathway to guide surveillance imaging of patients with stable VS. In this article, we provide the basis for our imaging protocol by reviewing the measurement, natural history and growth patterns of VS, and we present a cost analysis of implementing the pathway both regionally and nationally. Methods Patients with an extrameatal VS measuring ≤20mm in maximal diameter receive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) six months after their index imaging, followed by three annual MRI scans, two two-year interval MRI scans, a single three-year interval MRI scan and then five-yearly MRI scans to be continued lifelong. Patients with purely intrameatal tumours follow the same protocol but the initial six-month imaging is omitted. A cost analysis of the new pathway was modelled on our unit's retrospective data for 2015 and extrapolated to reflect the cost of VS surveillance nationally. Results Based on an estimation that imaging surveillance would last approximately 25 years (+/- 10 years), the cost of implementing our regional surveillance programme would be £151,011 per year (for 99 new referrals per year) and it would cost the NHS £1,982,968 per year if implemented nationally. Conclusions A standardised surveillance pathway promotes safe practice in the conservative management of VS. The estimated cost of a national surveillance programme compares favourably with other tumour surveillance initiatives, and would enable the NHS to provide a safe and economical service to patients with VS.

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Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological condition that usually affects the elderly. The optimal treatment strategy remains uncertain, principally because there is a lack of a good evidence base. In this paper, we review the literature concerning the peri-operative and operative care of patients. In particular, we highlight the non-surgical aspects of care that might impact on patient outcomes and CSDH recurrence. We propose that an integrated approach to care in patients with CSDH, similar to care of fragility fractures in the elderly, may be an important strategy to improve patient care and outcomes.

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Optic nerve sheath meningiomas account for a third of all intrinsic tumours of the optic nerve. Despite their classification as histologically benign tumours they cause progressive visual loss that often leads to blindness if left untreated. Recent therapeutic advances have increased the treatment options available to clinicians but patient management remains controversial. We systematically review the progress made in the diagnosis and management of optic nerve sheath meningiomas, clarify current best practice, and suggest future avenues for research.

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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the world's most common malignant cancers. Its incidence is particularly high in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa but, in recent years, significant increases in HCC have been observed in Australia and other Western countries. Therapeutic advances have contributed to improved survival rates in patients with HCC although intracranial metastases are extremely rare. Here we report the first two published Australian cases of brain metastases from HCC, both in Caucasian patients.

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We report a female patient with an unusual suprasellar meningioma presenting with a right-sided inferior altitudinal visual field defect. Two causative factors were identified at surgery: an aberrant ophthalmic artery found lying on the superior aspect of the optic nerve, and marked compression of the nerve superiorly against the falciform ligament.

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Optic nerve gliomas are highly variable tumours with an unpredictable clinical course. Consequently, the diagnosis and management of these tumours remains complex and a standardised management strategy does not exist. In this paper we describe a patient with optic nerve glioma treated at our institution and then review recent advances made in the diagnosis and treatment of these tumours over the past 10 years. Our aim is to clarify current best practice in the management of optic nerve gliomas.

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