Unruptured asymptomatic brain aneurysms: modern approaches to the choice of surgical method and treatment outcomes

Abstract

In recent years, significant attention has been paid to preventive vascular neurosurgery. Treatment of unruptured asymptomatic brain aneurysms is one of the sections of this surgery. To evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with unruptured asymptomatic brain aneurysms who underwent treatment chosen on the basis of criteria adopted at the Burdenko Neurosurgery Center. There were 2814 unruptured asymptomatic brain aneurysms in 2334 patients for the period from 1995 to 2019. Microsurgical operations for unruptured asymptomatic brain aneurysms were performed in 64.9% of cases, endovascular procedures - in 35.1% of patients. Endovascular operations were usually performed for ICA aneurysms and posterior aneurysms of circle of Willis. Microsurgical operations were mainly performed in patients with aneurysms of anterior and middle cerebral arteries. Favorable outcomes (GOS grade V-IV) were obtained in most patients (98.3%). Incidence of severe complications was similar in both groups, mortality rate was 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. Currently, there is a tendency towards annual increase in the number of surgeries for unruptured brain aneurysms. Anatomical and morphological characteristics of aneurysm should be considered to achieve favorable clinical results. At the same time, comprehensive analysis of each case and identification of individual risk factors will eliminate serious complications of surgical treatment.