Clinical analysis of 32 cases of temporal lobe epilepsy treated by microsurgery under intraoperative cortical EEG monitoring / 中国综合临床

Objective:To investigate the effect of microsurgery by modified pterional approach in the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy under intraoperative cortical encephalon electricity graph (EEG) monitoring.Methods:The clinical data of 32 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who were admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of Shangqiu First People's Hospital from January 2012 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, all patients underwent microsurgical resection of epileptogenic foci by modified pterional approach under cortical EEG monitoring.Results:The postoperative follow-up was from half a year to 6 years. According to the Tan's classification, 25 cases (78.1%(25/32)) of seizures disappeared completely, 3 cases (9.4%(3/32)) of seizures decreased by more than 75%, and 4 cases (12.5%(4/32)) of seizures decreased by more than 50%. Isotropic hemianopia occurred in 1 case (3.1%) after operation, and there was no operative death.Conclusion:Microsurgical resection of epileptogenic foci through modified pterional approach under intraoperative cortical EEG monitoring was a safe and effective method for the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Value of three-dimensional DSA simulation for the side selection of pterional approach to clip anterior communicating artery aneurysms / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficiency of the treatment strategy based on three-dimensional digital subtraction angioplasty (3 D-DSA) for the side selection of pterional approach to clip anterior communicating artery aneurysm. Methods All 75 continuous patients with single anterior communicating artery aneurysm(Hunt-Hess 0-III grade) treated by microsurgical clipping via the pterional approach were analyzed retrospectively. The side selection of approach was based on 3D-DSA. All patients' gender, age, Hunt-Hess grade, aneurysm size, the side of approach, complications, the length of postoperative stay, the ratio of complete occlusion, and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score at discharge were collected. The ratio of complete occlusion and clinical outcome were analyzed according to the group of left or right approach and different Al dominant approach. Results (1) Fifty-six patients (74. 7%) were left Al dominants, with 30 of those treated via the left-side approach and 26 of those treated via the right-side approach. Nineteen patients (25.3%) were right Al dominants, with 15 of those treated via the right-side approach and 4 of those treated via the left-side approach. (2) Surgical exposure of all aneurysms was satisfactory during operation, which was consistent with the 3D-DSA image simulation before the operation. The median length of postoperative stay was 9(8, 11) days. Six patients(8. 0%) suffered symptomatic cerebral infarction, and 1 patient (1.3%) had an intracranial infection. Sixty-five cases performed DSA or CT antigraphy after the operation. Sixty-two aneurysms (95.4%) were completely clipped and 3 aneurysms (4.6%) existed residual segments in the neck of the aneurysm. Sixty-nine patients (92.0%) reached 5 grade of GOS, 3 patients (4.0%) reached 4 grade of GOS, 3 patients (4.0%) reached 3 grade of GOS, and no patient was below 3 grade of GOS at discharge. (3) The surgical-related complications, clipping results, hospital-stay time after operation, and GOS at discharge were insignificantly different between left and right side approach, also insignificantly different between the dominant Al side and contralateral side approach. Conclusion The treatment strategy, based on preoperative 3D-DSA imaging simulation for the side selection of pterional approach to clip anterior communicating artery aneurysms, was safe and effective.

Pterional or Subfrontal Access for Proximal Vascular Control in Anterior Interhemispheric Approach for Ruptured Pericallosal Artery Aneurysms at Risk of Premature Rupture

OBJECTIVE: Cases of a ruptured pericallosal artery aneurysm with a high risk of intraoperative premature rupture and technical difficulties for proximal vascular control require a technique for the early and safe establishment of proximal vascular control. METHODS: A combined pterional or subfrontal approach exposes the bilateral A1 segments or the origin of the ipsilateral A2 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) for proximal vascular control. Proximal control far from the ruptured aneurysm facilitates tentative clipping of the rupture point of the aneurysm without a catastrophic premature rupture. The proximal control is then switched to the pericallosal artery just proximal to the aneurysm and its intermittent clipping facilitates complete aneurysm dissection and neck clipping. RESULTS: Three such cases are reported: a ruptured pericallosal artery aneurysm with a contained leak of the contrast from the proximal side of the aneurysm, a low-lying ruptured pericallosal artery aneurysm with irregularities on its proximal wall, and a multilobulated ruptured pericallosal artery aneurysm with the parasagittal bridging veins hindering surgical access to the proximal parent artery. In each case, the proposed combined pterional-interhemispheric or subfrontal-interhemispheric approach was successfully performed to establish proximal vascular control far from the ruptured aneurysm and facilitated aneurysm clipping via the interhemispheric approach. CONCLUSION: When using an anterior interhemispheric approach for a ruptured pericallosal artery aneurysm with a high risk of premature rupture, a pterional or subfrontal approach can be combined to establish early proximal vascular control at the bilateral A1 segments or the origin of the A2 segment.

Analysis of the curative effect of extensive pterional approach combined with cutting of the zygomatic arch for the resection of large sphenoid ridge meningioma / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective: To explore the application of extensive pterional approach combined with cutting of the zygomatic arch for the resection of large sphenoid ridge meningioma. Methods: Thirty-three patients with large sphenoid ridge meningioma underwent operation using the extensive pterional approach combined with cutting of the zygomatic arch. Twenty patients with large sphenoid ridge meningioma received operation with the traditional pterional approach as the control. The resection rate, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Results: Two groups of patients underwent craniotomy under microscope. The Simpon grade I resection and grade Ⅱ resection rate was 93.9％ in the cutting of the zygomatic arch approach group and 60.0％ in the control group (P<0.01). The operative time was (325.2±121.3) min in the cutting of the zygomatic arch approach group, which was significantly shorter than that in the control group with (406.4±182.9) min (P<0.05). The intraoperative blood loss was (502.5±101.8) mL and (697.7±115.4) mL in the two groups (P<0.05). In addition, postoperative complication rate was 15.2％ and 45.0％ in the cutting the zygomatic arch approach group and the control group, respectively (P<0.05). No death was reported in both groups. Conclusion: Extensive pterional approach combined with cutting of the zygomatic arch can fully expose the anatomical structures of the skull base and the sellar region to eliminate the influence of temporal muscle in the exposure of the surgical area. The operative field is exposed to reduce the stretch injury to only the frontotemporal brain tissue, which might be helpful for the complete resection of large sphenoid ridge meningioma, and is more conducive to neurovascular anatomy and relevant functional protection.

Clinical application of external ventricular drainage for ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of external ventricular drainage on the prognosis of anterior communicating artery aneurysms.Methods Retrospectively collected and analyzed 96 patients of anterior communicating artery aneurysms who were treated in our hospital from June 2013 to October 2015,and they were divided into the observation group which was given external ventricular drainage treatment and the control group which was not given external ventricular drainage treatment.These patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years,and the results of the 2 groups were graded according to the analysis of postoperative complications and the Glasgow prognostic score (GOS).Meanwhile,evaluated the general function of the patients according to the KPS score.Results The the incidence rate of complications after treatment in observation group was 54.17％,which was lower than 86.96％ in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P ＜ 0.05).The cure rate of observation group was 79.16％,which was higher than 50％ in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).The postoperative KPS score in the observation group was (79.68 ± 13.24) points,which was higher than (62.57 ± 12.72) points in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion External ventricular drainage can reduce the compression injury of the brain tissue to a minimum degree,reduce intracranial pressure,relieve cerebral edema caused by intracranial pressure,reduce complications,and improve the prognosis of patients and the cure rate.

Abordaje único para aneurismas del círculo arterial cerebral / Unique craniotomy for aneurysms of the cerebral arterial circle

El objetivo del trabajo fue escribir la técnica quirúrgica y reportar la experiencia de nuestro hospital en el uso del abordaje pterional modificado como primera elección para el clipaje de aneurismas del círculo arterial cerebral en cualquier ubicación e incluso múltiples. Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo y reportamos una serie de 37 pacientes (25 mujeres y 12 hombres) con diagnóstico de aneurismas derivados del círculo arterial cerebral de distintas ubicaciones, desde enero del 2012 hasta marzo del 2015. Se presenta la experiencia de 51 aneurismas incluidos 8 casos de aneurismas múltiples y 9 aneurismas gigantes.Todos los aneurismas fueron clipados mediante un abordaje pterional modificado. Se describieron yesquematizaron los pasos del procedimiento quirúrgico secuencialmente. Mediante este análisis se estableceque el abordaje frontotemporoesfenoidal modificado (pterional) permite el acceso quirúrgico para el clipajede estas lesiones vasculares provenientes del círculo arterial cerebral lo cual correlaciona con la evidencia previa. La descripción detallada de la técnica quirúrgica favorece una adecuada comprensión de la anatomía quirúrgica y permite la reproducción de esta técnica.

The objective of the study was to describe our surgical and technical experience by reporting a series of 51 aneurysms treated by a pterional craniotomy as a unique approach foraneurismatic lesions of the cerebral arterial circle (Willis polygon). Retrospective study that reportsa series of 37 patients (25 females and 12 males) with diagnosis of aneurismatic lesions from different localization in the Willis polygon from January 2012 to March 2015. Fifty one (51)aneurismatic lesions were treated by a unique pterional craniotomy, including 8 cases of multiple aneurismatic disease and 9 giant aneurysms. Every lesion was clipped by the same pterional modified approach. Every step of this procedure was described and illustrated sequentally. This analysis establishes that the modified fronto temporoesfenoidal (pterional) craniotomy allows surgical access to the clipping of these vascular lesions, from the circle of Willis which correlates with previous evidence. The detailed description of the surgical technique promotes a proper understanding of surgical anatomy and allows playback of this technique.

The Extended Pterional Approach and Microsurgery Resection for Craniopharyngiomas, Operative Nuances and Results: A Series of 29 Patients

Objective The aim of this paper is to observe if the extended pterional approach for the removal of craniopharyngiomas is safe and effective. The mortality, morbidity, and recurrence rates are presented and discussed. Method This is a retrospective analysis of 29 craniopharyngioma patients who underwent surgery between January 1988 and December 2014 at the Department of Neurosurgery of the Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The charts, operative reports and imaging studies were reviewed. Results We identified 17 males (58.6%) and 12 females (41.3%) ranging in age from 0.6 to 84 years (mean 57.4 years). Thirteen (44.8%) patients were infants or adolescents. Surgical mortality occurred in one patient (3.4%). Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 15 (51.7%) patients. The median follow-up time was 7.1 years. Conclusion The extended pterional approach provides adequate access to craniopharyngiomas, and the majority of lesions could be totally removed, with a low mortality rate, but the best treatment for craniopharyngiomas remains controversial.

Objetivo Observar se a craniotomia pterional estendida é uma técnica segura e efetiva. Método É um estudo retrospectivo de 29 pacientes com craniofaringiomas que foram submetidos a craniotomia pterional estendida entre 1988 e 2014. As imagens e os prontuários foram analisados. Resultados Esse grupo é composto por 17 homens (58,6%) e 12 mulheres (41,3%), e a idade variou de 0,6 a 84 anos (media 57,4 anos). Treze (44,8%) pacientes eram crianças ou adolescentes. A remoção total da lesão ocorreu em 15 (51,7%) indivíduos. A mortalidade cirúrgica: um paciente (3,4%). O follow-up médio é de 7,1 anos. Conclusão A craniotomia pterional estendida permitiu a remoção total da lesão na maioria dos pacientes, com baixa mortalidade, porém o melhor tratamento para o craniofaringioma ainda gera muita controvérsia.

Intradural Procedural Time to Assess Technical Difficulty of Superciliary Keyhole and Pterional Approaches for Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: This study used the intradural procedural time to assess the overall technical difficulty involved in surgically clipping an unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm via a pterional or superciliary approach. The clinical and radiological variables affecting the intradural procedural time were investigated, and the intradural procedural time compared between a superciliary keyhole approach and a pterional approach. METHODS: During a 5.5-year period, patients with a single MCA aneurysm were enrolled in this retrospective study. The selection criteria for a superciliary keyhole approach included : 1) maximum diameter of the unruptured MCA aneurysm <15 mm, 2) neck diameter of the MCA aneurysm <10 mm, and 3) aneurysm location involving the sphenoidal or horizontal segment of MCA (M1) segment and MCA bifurcation, excluding aneurysms distal to the MCA genu. Meanwhile, the control comparison group included patients with the same selection criteria as for a superciliary approach, yet who preferred a pterional approach to avoid a postoperative facial wound or due to preoperative skin trouble in the supraorbital area. To determine the variables affecting the intradural procedural time, a multiple regression analysis was performed using such data as the patient age and gender, maximum aneurysm diameter, aneurysm neck diameter, and length of the pre-aneurysm M1 segment. In addition, the intradural procedural times were compared between the superciliary and pterional patient groups, along with the other variables. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients underwent a superciliary (n=124) or pterional (n=36) approach for an unruptured MCA aneurysm. In the multiple regression analysis, an increase in the diameter of the aneurysm neck (p<0.001) was identified as a statistically significant factor increasing the intradural procedural time. A Pearson correlation analysis also showed a positive correlation (r=0.340) between the neck diameter and the intradural procedural time. When comparing the superciliary and pterional groups, no statistically significant between-group difference was found in terms of the intradural procedural time reflecting the technical difficulty (mean±standard deviation : 29.8±13.0 min versus 27.7±9.6 min). CONCLUSION: A superciliary keyhole approach can be a useful alternative to a pterional approach for an unruptured MCA aneurysm with a maximum diameter <15 mm and neck diameter <10 mm, representing no more of a technical challenge. For both surgical approaches, the technical difficulty increases along with the neck diameter of the MCA aneurysm.

The Clinical Analysis of Microsurgical Treatment for Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Via Pterional Approach / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To summarize treatment experiences of microsurgical clipping for anterior communicating artery aneurysm via pterional approach.Methods Clinical data of 82 cases undergoing microsurgical clipping for anterior communicating artery aneurysm via pterional approach in the first affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University from October 2008 to December 2014 were collected and retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into different groups by Hunt-Hess illness grading scale,with 11 cases for level 0,7 cases for level Ⅰ,30 cases for level Ⅱ,25 cases for level Ⅲ,8 cases for level Ⅳ,and 1 cases for level Ⅴ.Twenty-one patients underwent operation at early stage of SAH (＜3d),15 at late stage of SAH (4d～2W),and 35 at prolonged stage of SAH (＞2W).The prognosis of patients was evaluated according to GOS classification criteria at discharge.Results A total of 85 ACoAA were found in 82 patients and all of them were clipped and,at the same time,3 aneurysms were resected and 11 thrombuses were punctured,cut and removed.In the operation,15 (17.6％) aneurysms ruptured again and temporary blocking happened for 73 times,with the shortest blocking time of 2 rmin,the longest of 40 rmin,and the average of 9.26min.According to GOS score,good recovery rate was 79.3％ (65/82),moderate disability rate was 12.2％ (10/82),severe disability rate was 3.7％ (3/82),vegetative state rate was 0％,and death rate was 4.9％ (4/82).Good recovery rates for the operations at early,late and prolonged stage of SAH were 85.7％,73.3％ and 82.3％ respectively and for level 0 to level Ⅴ were 90.9％,85.6％,86.7％ and 84.0％,25.0％ and 0.0％ respectively.Results of DSA or CTA re-examination upon 55 patients followed-up at discharge or three months after discharge showed that tumor pedicle were clipped and aneurysm disappeared.Fifty cases were followed up from four months to seven years after the operation,with one case of aneurysm recurrence.Another thirty-two cases were lost to follow-up.ConclusiornS Microsurgical techniques and microdissection are keys to successful operation.Pterional approach can guarantee successful clipping of aneurysms with different directions,locations and sizes.It is also an easy,effective and reliable approach with less postoperative complications.Operation for anterior communicating artery aneurysm should be performed as early as possible.

Abordaje pterional / Pterional approach

Objetivo: describir, paso a paso, la realización de un abordaje pterional (AP). Descripción: Posición: El paciente es colocado en decúbito dorsal, con la cabeza rotada contralateral y deflexionada. Incisión: se extiende desde la línea media hasta el borde inferior del arco cigomático, 1 cm adelante del trago. Disección interfascial: tiene varios referentes anatómicos: la arteria temporal superficial, el reborde orbitario y al arco cigomático en su porción inferior. La incisión se inicia en la línea temporal superior, 2 cm posterior del reborde orbitario, y se extiende en dirección al sector medio del arco cigomático. Desinserción del músculo temporal: se procede a realizar un corte muscular hasta alcanzar el plano óseo, y se realiza una disección subperióstica. Craneotomía: la remoción ósea debe lograr una exposición suficiente de la fisura silviana, con mayor exposición del lóbulo frontal; así, deben exponerse los giros frontales medio e inferior y el giro temporal superior. Apertura dural: en dos colgajos, uno frontal y otro temporal. Conclusión: el AP constituye aún hoy día una técnica actual y vigente, que se resiste a ser olvidada, cuya aplicación juiciosa permite acceso a un gran numero de patologías de la base de cráneo anterior y media.

Objective: the aim of this study is to describe, step by step, the pterional approach. Description: position: the patient is placed supine, and the head rotated and also deflected. Incision: from the midline to de zygomatic arch, 1 cm in front of the tragus. Interfascial dissection: the landmarks: superficial temporal artery, orbital rim and zygomatic arch. The incision started at the level of the superior temporal line, 2 cm posterior to the orbital rim, and is pointed to the middle portion of the zygomatic arch. Temporal muscle displacement: after a transversal section of the upper portion of the muscle, it is detached in a subperiosteal fashion. Craniotomy: the osseous removal should expose the sylvian fissure and the middle and inferior frontal gyrus and also the superior temporal giri. Dural opening: in two flaps (frontal and temporal). Conclusion: the pterional approach is still, nowadays, a valid and current technique. This approach allows treating many lesions located in the anterior and middle cranial fossa.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Olfactory Protection Using Gelfoam and Fibrin Glue during Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Surgery

OBJECTIVE: Patients treated with surgical clipping for anterior communicating artery (A-com) aneurysm often complain of anosmia, which can markedly impede their quality of life. We introduce a simple and useful technique to reduce postoperative olfactory dysfunction in A-com aneurysm surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgical clipping for unruptured aneurysm from 2011-2013 by the same senior attending physician. Since March 2012, olfactory protection using gelfoam and fibrin glue was applied in A-com aneurysm surgery. Therefore we categorized patients in two groups from this time-protected group and unprotected group. RESULTS: Of the 63 enrolled patients, 16 patients showed postoperative olfactory dysfunction-including 8 anosmia patients (protected group : unprotected group=1 : 7) and 8 hyposmia patients (protected group : unprotected group=2 : 6). Thirty five patients who received olfactory protection during surgery showed a lower rate of anosmia (p=0.037, OR 10.516, 95% CI 1.159-95.449) and olfactory dysfunction (p=0.003, OR 8.693, 95% CI 2.138-35.356). Superior direction of the aneurysm was also associated with a risk of olfactory dysfunction (p=0.015, OR 5.535, 95% CI 1.390-22.039). CONCLUSION: Superior direction of aneurysm appears associated with postoperative olfactory dysfunction. Olfactory protection using gelfoam and fibrin glue could be a simple, safe, and useful method to preserve olfactory function during A-com aneurysm surgery.

Selección del lado de abordaje a los aneurismas de la arteria comunicante anterior / Selection of the approach side to the aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery

Objetivo: analizar el lado de abordaje pterional elegido teniendo en cuenta la disposición del segmento postcomunicante de las arterias cerebrales anteriores (A2) en el plano coronal y sus implicancias quirúrgicas. Material y Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo. Se analizaron 24 pacientes con aneurismas de la arteria comunicante anterior de variedad superior y antero-superior, operados en el período 2009-2014. Se operaron 22 pacientes con Hemorragia Subaracnoidea (91.67%) y 2 pacientes con aneurismas incidentales (8.33%). Se estudió la dominancia del segmento precomunicante (A1), la variedad de A2 (abierta o cerrada) y sus consecuencias quirúrgicas: necesidad de aspiración del girus recto (AGR), utilización de clip fenestrados, presencia de contusión debido a retracción cerebral, isquemia en territorio de perforantes (ITP) y cuello remanente. Resultados: De los 24 pacientes estudiados, 12 (50%) presentaban una variedad A2 abierta. Tan solo 1 requirió AGR, 1 sufrió ITP y 2 contusiones, sin necesidad de utilizar clips fenestrados ni tampoco registrarse algún cuello remanente. Los 12 pacientes restantes (50%) presentaron una variedad A2 cerrada. En este grupo fue necesario AGR en 8 casos, utilización de clip fenestrados en 3 casos, se registraron 3 ITP, 3 contusiones y 1 con cuello remanente (p=0.01). Conclusión: Creemos que abordar a los aneurismas de variedad superior y antero-superior del lado en el que las A2 representan una variedad abierta, permite lograr una correcta exposición anatómica con el consiguiente clipado aneurismático adecuado y reducción de las complicaciones quirúrgicas.

Objective: to analyze the chosen side in a pterional approach based on the position of the postcommunicating segment of anterior cerebral artery (A2) in a coronal plane, and its surgical requirements and complications. Material and Method: A descriptive observational retrospective study has been designed. We analyzed 24 patients with anterior communicating artery aneurysms projecting superior and supero-anterior, who underwent microsurgical clipping between 2009-2014. This study includes 22 subarachnoid hemorrhages (91.67%) and 2 incidental aneurysms (8.33%). We studied the dominancy of the precommunicating segment (A1), A2 plane (open or closed) and the surgical requirements: gyrus rectus aspiration (GRA) or the need of fenestrated clips, and complications: cerebral contusion due to brain retraction, perforators' ischemia (PI) and residual neck. Results: Out of the 24 patients, 12 (50%) were A2 open plane. Only 1 required GRA, 1 suffered perforators' ischemia and 2 had cerebral contusion. No fenestrated clip was used, and there was no residual neck. The remaining 12 patients (50%) had an A2 close plane. In this group, GRA was necessary in 8 cases and the use of fenestrated clip in 3. Perforators' ischemia was present in 3 cases, whereas another 3 patients suffered cerebral contusion and 1 had a residual neck (p=0.01). Conclusion: We suggest that approaching anterior cerebral arteries aneurysms projecting superior and supero-anterior from an A2 open plane, allows an optimal anatomical exposure view with an adequate aneurysm clipping and reducing surgical complications.

Abordaje pterional: alcances y revisión de la técnica quirúrgica / Pterional approach: scope and revision of the surgical technique

Objetivo: exponer nuestra experiencia quirúrgica en el abordaje pterional resaltando los alcances y detalles técnicos de dicho procedimiento. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, analizando las historias clínicas de 145 pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente a través de un abordaje pterional clásico o alguna de sus variantes, entre octubre de 2009 y octubre de 2012, en nuestro servicio. Se recabaron datos epidemiológicos y los relacionados a las diferentes patologías alcanzadas mediante esta vía. Para una mejor interpretación, las imágenes fueron adquiridas en 3D. Resultados: Durante dicho período se realizaron 149 craneotomías pterionales sobre un total de 145 pacientes, 4 de los cuales debieron ser sometidos a abordaje pterional bilateral. Fueron intervenidos 95 pacientes con aneurismas cerebrales, 9 de ellos con enfermedad aneurismática múltiple...

Objective: to report our surgical experience in the pterional approach, highlighting the extent and technical details of that procedure. Material and Method: we performed a retrospective study analyzing the medical records of 142 patients who went under surgery through a classic pterional approach or one of its variants, between October 2009 and October 2012. Epidemiological data was collected and also that related to the different pathologies achieved by this route. For a better interpretation, the images were taken in 3D. Results: during that period we performed 149 pterional craniotomies over a total of 145 patients, 4 of them underwent bilateral pterional approach. There were 95 patients with cerebral aneurysms, 9 of them with multiple aneurysmal disease...

Microsurgical treatment of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To explore the microsurgical treatment strategy of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms.Methods From September 2009 to February 2013,thirty-three patients with ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms were treated with microsurgical clipping via modified pterion approach.The clinical and follow-up data were analyzed retrospectively.Results At 3 to 44 months period followed-up after microsurgical clipping of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms were obtained in 32 patients.According to Glasgow Outcome Score,the curative effects score were 5 in 28 cases,four in 2 cases,three in 1 case and death in 1 case.Conclusion Microsurgical clipping of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms via modified pterional approach was an effective method with sufficient exposure.It has less invasiveness to the brain tissue,reliable neck clipping and satisfactory results.Safety and effectiveness of this procedure are based on preoperative radiological evaluation of three-dimensional morphological specificity of aneurysms,identification of the parental arteries and its branches,as well as temporary proximal occlusion.

Comparison between Lateral Supraorbital Approach and Pterional Approach in the Surgical Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: The lateral supraorbital (LSO) approach is a modified method of the classic pterional approach and it has advantages of short skin incision and small craniotomy compared with the pterional approach. This study was designed to compare the two approaches in the surgical treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 122 patients with 137 unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated by clipping, from July 2009 to April 2011. Between August 2010 and April 2011, 61 patients were treated by clipping via the lateral supraorbital approach and the same number of patients treated by clipping via the pterional approach were retrospectively enrolled. We analyzed the two groups and compared demographic, radiologic and clinical variables. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in the two groups was 54.6 years (LSO group) and 55.7 years (Pterion group). The mean duration of hospitalization was shorter in the LSO group than in the Pterion group (7.9 days vs. 9.0 days, p=0.125) and the mean operation time was also significantly shorter in the LSO group (117.1 minutes vs. 164.3 minutes, p<0.001). Furthermore, the mean craniotomy area was much smaller in the LSO group (1275.4 mm2 vs. 2858.9 mm2, p<0.001). The two groups showed similar distributions of aneurysm location and postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The lateral supraorbital approach for the clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysm could be a good alternative to the classic pterional approach.

One-stage operation for bilateral posterior communicating artery aneurysms via unilateral pterional approach: An efficacy analysis / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and operative effect of the one-stage microsurgery for clipping of bilateral posterior communicating artery aneurysms (BpcoAA). Methods: The clinical data of 28 patients with BpcoAA were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent craniotomy and microsurgical clipping of BPcoAA via unilateral pterional approach. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 3 years after microsurgery. The head 3 D-CTA of the patients and their general conditions were reexamined. The Glasgow outcome scale (COS) scores were used to assess the prognosis. Results: Circled digit oneGood preoperative 3D-CTA showed 28 cases with 56 aneurysms, the aneurysms were clipped completely in 24 cases, the contralateral aneurysms were not clipped completely in 3 cases, the aneurysm was not clipped completely on the approach side in 1 case, and none of the patients died. The aneurysms ruptured in 8 cases on the approach sides during the microsurgery. Circled digit twoAfter microsurgery, 7 cases had hydrocephalus, and 5 had vasospasm on the approach sides and 3 on the contralateral sides, 3 suffered pulmonary infection, and 2 had oculomotor nerve injury on the contralateral sides. Circled digit threeThe mean follow-up time of the patients was 1.7 years. The GOS scores: 5 points in 10 cases, 4 points in 7 cases, 3 points in 9 cases, and 2 points in 2 cases. There were no aneurysm recurrence and new aneurysm formation. The patients whose aneurysms were not clipped completely had no recurrence of bleeding. Conclusion: According to 3D-CTA examination, using unilateral pterional approach, aiming at the location of the optic chiasm and the contralateral aneurysm pointing, the one-stage microsurgery for clipping of BpcoAA is safe and feasible.

Perspective of the frontolateral craniotomies / Perspectivas das craniotomias frontolaterais

The pterional craniotomy is one of the most frequently surgical approaches used in neurosurgery and currently it has become a mainsteam. It allows excellent microsurgical exposure of anterior and posterior regions of the arterial circle of Willis, supra and paraselar regions, the superior orbital fissure of sphenoid bone, cavernous sinus, orbit, temporal lobe, midbrain and the frontal lobe. Like others techniques, the pterional craniotomy presented disadvantages related to dissection of the temporal muscle. From the first fronto lateral craniotomy described by Dandy to expose the optic chiasm and the pituitary we pass through the Yasargil's classical description of craniotomy centered in fronto-temporal sylvian fissure until reaching the recent"minipterional craniotomy", modifications of the pterional craniotomy were proposed to reduce the extra cranial tissue trauma and reduce the area of craniotomy without affecting the exposure of surgical targets, thus improving their aesthetic and functional results. An historical analysis of the frontolateral approaches has demonstrated that they have evolved from larger craniotomies to smaller ones, however only the minipterional craniotomy is able to offer similar surgical exposure.

A craniotomia pterional é um dos acessos cirúrgicos mais freqüentemente utilizados. Esta técnica permite excelente exposição microcirúrgica das regiões anterior e posterior do polígono de Willis, regiões supra-selar, fissura orbital superior do osso esfenóide, seio cavernoso, órbita, lobo temporal, mesencéfalo e lobo frontal. Como outras técnicas, a craniotomia pterional tem desvantagens relacionadas à manipulação do músculo temporal. Desde a primeira craniotomia fronto lateral descrita por Dandy para expor o quiasma óptico e a hipófise, passando pela descrição clássica de Yasrgil para craniotomia centrada na fissura silviana, até chegar em craniotomias recentes como a"minipterional", modificações da craniotomia pterional foram propostas para reduzir o trauma do tecido extra craniano e reduzir a área da craniotomia sem afetar a exposição dos alvos cirúrgicos e melhorar seus resultados estéticos e funcionais. Uma análise histórica das abordagens frontolaterais demonstrou que elas evoluíram a partir de craniotomias maiores para menores, contudo somente a craniotomia minipterional oferece exposição cirúrgica similar à craniotomia pterional clássica.

Microsurgical Experience with Supraorbital Keyhole Operations on Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: Conventional pterional approach is a commonly used neurosurgical technique for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. However, this technique requires more extensive brain exposure than other key hole approaches and is sometimes associated with surgical traumatization or cosmetic problems. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative outcome between pterional and supraorbital keyhole approaches in the patients with anterior circulation aneurysms. METHODS: The authors reviewed patients with anterior circulation aneurysms who underwent aneurysm clipping via pterional or supraorbital keyhole approach at a single institute over a period of 2 years. Ninety-eight patients harboring 108 aneurysms were included in this study. Various outcomes were recorded, which included clinical grade, cosmetic problems, patients' satisfaction and complications such as chewing discomfort, frontal muscle weakness, hyposmia, infection. RESULTS: The supraorbital approach exhibited a shorter operation time compared with the pterional approach. Complications such as chewing discomfort occurred less frequently in the supraorbital approach group. Moreover, the cosmetic outcome was significantly better in the supraorbital group than in the pterional group. CONCLUSION: The supraorbital keyhole approach reduced intra- and postoperative complications, including chewing discomfort and cosmetic disturbances, compared with the conventional pterional approach.

Microsurgical anti endoscopic anatomy of sellar region related to key hole approach / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To study the endoscopic anatomy of operative fissures in the sellar region related to pterional key-hole approach and to provide the anatomic basis for endoscope-assisted microneuro-surgery in the region. Methods Fifteen cadaver heads were dissected via pterional key-hole approach and the five operative fissures(Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ) were studied with both microscope and endoscope, by which the outcomes observed were recorded and compared. Results The basic information obtained by the pterio-nalkeyhole approach was comparable to that of the classic ptefional approach. According to the anatomic guideposts under neuroendoscope, the microstructures of the five fissures and Willis' circle would be well demonstrated. It is better to display the various anatomic structures in sellar region by neuroendoscope rather than microscope, particularly some important microstructures. Angled endoscope can be used to inspec thidden but important structure behind the arteries and nerves. Conclusion According to the anatomic guideposts, an endoscopy can be used to enhance the visible field of an operative microscope related to pterional key-hole approach. The endoscope-assisted microsurgery can reduce complications and injury of the important structures and increase the curative effect on the lesions in the sellar region.

Early Aneurysm Surgery using Eyebrow Incision for Poor Grade Patients

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to assess the clinical outcome in early and minimally invasive surgery using an eyebrow incision for the patients with poor grade aneurysm. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed all 46 poor grade patients of Hunt and Hess(H-H) grade IV and V who suffered aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) between 1999 and 2004. All 35 patients harboring 43 aneurysms who underwent early surgery within 72 hours were included in this study. Clinical outcome was assessed by Glasgow outcome scale(GOS) and compared with that of conventional pterional approach. RESULTS: Twenty four patients were operated with conventional pterional approach and 11 with eyebrow approach within 72 hours after SAH. Seven multiple aneurysm patients harbor 15 aneurysms. Forty one aneurysms were treated with clippings. All 11 patients of eyebrow surgery group(ESG) were in H-H grade IV, 3 in Fisher grade III and 8 in Fisher grade IV. Among 24 patients of pterional approach group(PAG), 20 were in H-H grade IV and 4 in H-H grade V, 3 were in Fisher grade III and 21 in Fisher grade IV. Overall favorable outcome was achieved in 41.7% and 54.5% in PAG and ESG, respectively. Favorable outcome of H-H grade IV in PAG showed 45.0%. Overall mortality rate was 14.3%. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the clinical outcome of early and minimally invasive aneurysmal surgery using eyebrow incision in the selected poor grade aneurysm patients can be compatible with that of conventional pterional surgery.