Minipterional Approach Research Articles

Emergency microsurgical trapping, decompression, and revascularization of a middle cerebral artery dissecting aneurysm using a minipterional approach in a pediatric patient: illustrative case.

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their rarity and their distinct anatomical and physiological considerations compared with those of adult intracranial aneurysms. The authors present the case of a symptomatic pediatric patient who required emergency microsurgical treatment after a thrombosed dissecting aneurysm was identified in the right M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery. The lesion completely occluded its parent vessel, although distal blood flow was reconstituted through leptomeningeal collaterals. However, aneurysm wall contrast enhancement and signs of early perfusion changes were noticed, which prompted emergency treatment consisting of microsurgical aneurysm trapping, decompression, and extracranial/intracranial revascularization to be successfully performed through a minipterional craniotomy. After 1 year, the bypass occluded, although the patient remained asymptomatic. A slight enlargement of the ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery suggested the possibility of a benign hemodynamic rearrangement. Emergency treatment may be necessary when signs of lesion instability or hemodynamic compromise are present; however, a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation is required. Treatment of complex vascular lesions using a minipterional approach is feasible even in pediatric patients, and delayed bypass occlusion may be a benign phenomenon reflecting gradual blood flow reorganization. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24484.

Anatomoradiological comparison between the minipterional and supraorbital eyebrow approaches to the interpeduncular region.

Advances in surgical technology and microneurosurgery have led to increased utilization of so-called minimally invasive approaches, including the supraorbital eyebrow (SE) and minipterional (MPT) approaches for lesions involving the interpeduncular region. This study aimed to describe and compare anatomical landmarks, along with highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of the SE and MPT approaches to the interpeduncular region. Ten formalin-fixed, latex-injected cadaveric specimens were used to perform bilateral SE and MPT approaches to the interpeduncular region. The operative depth of each approach to key anatomical landmarks was measured. Forty-five axial thin-slice computed tomography studies were reviewed to calculate the operative angles, with consideration of the midline as a reference. A 3D interactive anatomical model generated through the photogrammetry scanning technique was described. The depths of the operative corridors of the SE and MPT approaches to the interpeduncular fossa were 83.4 ± 1.8 mm and 67.7 ± 3.2 mm, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean angle of the MPT approach to the interpeduncular fossa was significantly wider than the one provided by the SE approach (39.9° ± 5.1° vs 28.4° ± 3.6°, p < 0.001). The interpeduncular region can consistently be accessed through the carotid-oculomotor triangle with the SE approach, as well as with the MPT approach. Furthermore, the SE route offered adequate access to the interpeduncular fossa through the opticocarotid triangle. The MPT route provided direct access to the upper prepontine cistern and anterior mesencephalic zone (AMZ). The MPT approach provides a wider and shorter operative corridor and can be employed for lesions in the interpeduncular region with extension to the prepontine cistern and ventrolateral midbrain lesions requiring access through the AMZ. The SE approach is better suited for ventromedial midbrain lesions requiring access via the interpeduncular fossa safe entry zone. Additional studies analyzing these approaches in a clinical setting will help to delineate their reliability and efficacy.

Keyhole Alternatives to Pterional Craniotomy for the Microsurgical Clipping of Anterior Circulation Aneurysms: Technical Pearls, Surgical Results, and a Case Selection Algorithm.

Despite a recent surge in keyhole approaches to aneurysm clipping, only few studies have compared these approaches, and none have laid any foundation or roadmap for surgeons newly venturing into these procedures. To report a single surgeon's experience of multiple keyhole approaches to these aneurysms, and to highlight the case selection algorithm, technical nuances, and surgical results. Twenty-four patients (25 aneurysms) underwent aneurysm clipping using either a mini-pterional approach (MPA), lateral supraorbital approach (LSO), or a supraorbital keyhole approach (SOKHA). Intraoperative premature rupture, adequacy of clipping, and immediate postoperative and long-term functional outcomes were recorded. All but five patients presented with ruptured aneurysms (Hunt and Hess grade 1 in 12 patients, grade 2 in 5 patients, and grade 3 in 2 patients). The anterior communicating artery (A-Comm; n = 14, 56%) was most frequently involved with aneurysms. The MPA was most frequently employed (n = 11, 45.8%), followed by the LSO (n = 9, 37.5%) and the SOKHA (n = 4, 16.7%). An intraoperative rupture (total n = 5, 20.8%) was most frequently seen in the SOKHA group (50%) and the only case of inadequate aneurysm clipping resulted from inadequate clipping ergonomics during the SOKHA for A-Comm aneurysm. Major complications occurred in the supraorbital approaches (one each in the LSO and SOKHA). Irrespective of the approach used, the long-term outcomes were excellent. In properly selected patients, keyhole approaches-particularly the MPA and the LSO-can provide excellent surgical outcomes. The learning curve in the SOKHA is steeper. A pragmatic case selection algorithm is proposed.

Collision of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor and anterior clinoid meningioma treated with a two-stage minimally invasive surgical strategy: illustrative case.

The locations of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) and anterior clinoid meningioma (ACM) appear to be very close but essentially different, as the former is inside the sella turcica while the latter is in the intradural space. A collision tumor thus requires a specific treatment strategy but has been rarely reported. A 77-year-old woman presented with progressive visual impairment due to significant compression of the optic apparatus by a collision of PitNET and ACM. With a minimally invasive two-stage therapeutic strategy, the ACM was first resected using an endoscopic mini-pterional approach, then the PitNET was removed with an endoscopic transnasal approach 8 weeks later, leading to significant improvement in visual function. The authors' literature search identified only 2 documented cases of a similar collision. This case underscores the complexity of the decision-making process in the management of collision tumors and suggests the potential benefit of staged minimally invasive surgical interventions in preserving visual function. Further accumulation of cases is warranted for refining the treatment strategy. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24240.

Minimally invasive keyhole craniotomies for microsurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms: comparative meta-analysis of the mini-pterional and supraorbital keyhole approaches.

Axel Perneczky is responsible for conceptualizing the "keyhole" philosophy as a new paradigm of minimal invasiveness within cranial neurosurgery. Keyhole neurosurgery aims to limit approach-related traumatization and minimize brain retraction while still enabling the neurosurgeon to achieve operative goals. The supraorbital keyhole craniotomy (SOKC) and minipterional (pterional keyhole, PKC) approaches have become mainstays for clipping intracranial aneurysms. While studies have compared these approaches to the traditional pterional craniotomy for clipping cerebral aneurysms, head-to-head comparisons of these workhorse keyhole approaches remain limited. The authors queried three databases per PRISMA guidelines to identify all studies comparing the SOKC to the PKC for microsurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms. Of 148 unique studies returned on initial query, a total of 5 studies published between 2013 and 2019 met inclusion criteria. Where applicable, quantitative meta-analysis was performed via the Mantel-Haenszel method using Review Manager v5.4 (Nordic Cochrane Centre, Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using the Cochrane ROBINS-I tool, and all studies were assigned a Level of Evidence (I-V). Across all five studies, the mean age ranged from 53.0 to 57.5 years old, and the cohort consisted of more females (n = 403, 60.6%) than males. The proportion of patients presenting with ruptured aneurysmal SAH was comparable between the SOKC and PKC cohorts (p = 0.43). Clipping rate [defined as the rate of successful aneurysm clip deployment with successful intraoperative occlusion] (OR 1.52 [0.49, 4.71], I2 = 0%, p = 0.47), final occlusion rates (OR 1.27 [0.37, 4.32], p = 0.70), and operative durations (SMD 0.33 [-0.83. 1.49], I2 = 97%, p = 0.58) were comparable regardless of approach used. Furthermore, rates of intraoperative rupture (OR 1.51 [0.64, 3.55], I2 = 0, p = 0.34), postoperative hemorrhage (OR 1.49 [0.74, 3.01], I2 = 0, p = 0.26), postoperative vasospasm (OR 0.94 [0.49, 1.80], I2 = 63, p = 0.86), and postoperative infection (OR 0.70 [0.16, 2.99], I2 = 0%, p = 0.63) were equivocal across SOKC and PKC cohorts. The PKC and SOKC approaches appear to afford comparable outcomes when used for open microsurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms in select patients with both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Both are associated with excellent clipping and occlusion rates, minimal perioperative complication profiles, and favorable postoperative neurologic outcomes. Further investigations are merited so clinicians can further parse out the indications and contraindications for each keyhole approach.

Exoscopic Clipping of a Ruptured Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Through a Minipterional Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms represent approximately 15% to 25% of intracranial aneurysms and carry an estimated risk of rupture of 44%. 1-4 Surgical clipping of PCoA aneurysms bears notable challenges associated with operating in a confined space with limited visualization of deep structures. 1,5 We illustrate the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented with a seven-hour course of intense headaches, vomiting and loss of consciousness. Her neurological examination revealed she had a 4/5 left-sided hemiparesis, a Glasgow coma scale score of 12, and a Hunt and Hess score of 3. A head computed tomography scan without contrast showed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the basal cisterns and Sylvian fissures (Fisher grade 3). Digital subtraction angiography and three-dimensional reconstruction imaging revealed a right bilobed saccular PCoA aneurysm of 4.8 × 5.9 mm projecting anterior-inferiorly. After consideration of her clinical course and aneurysmal features, she underwent a right minipterional craniotomy for exoscopic clipping of the aneurysm neck. The patient tolerated the procedure well, her hemiparesis improved, and she was discharged with a modified Rankin scale score of 1 on postoperative day 3. Exoscopy offered high image quality and expanded 3-dimensional view with digital zoom during the aneurysm repair. 6,7 Although evidence suggests exoscopy is non-inferior to microscopy regarding surgery duration, safety, and outcomes, the capability of providing operator ergonomy during surgery is a worth-noting advantage. 8 IRB and patient consent declaration: This study was exempt from the Institution Review Board because patient consent was granted for the use of clinical information, images, and operative videos. The patient consented to the procedure, and the participants and any identifiable individuals consented to publication of his/her image.

Neurologic and Neuropsychological Outcomes for Treatment of Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Standard Pterional Versus Minipterional Approach in a Retrospective Single-Center Analysis

BackgroundIn accordance with technique advancement and minimal invasiveness surgical approaches, the mini-pterional has progressively replaced the standard pterional approach for the treatment of unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Multimodal intraoperative resources, including microdoppler and micro-flow probes, indocyanine green video-angiography, and neurophysiological monitoring nowadays constitute a fundamental prerequisite for increasing the safeness of the clipping procedure. ObjectiveOur study aims investigate and compare in a single-center experience the effect of the evolution of minimally invasive and multimodal approach in unruptured MCA aneurysms surgery by measuring post-operative complications rate, recovery time, long-term neuropsychological and functional outcomes. Materials and MethodsOne hundred thirty-one patients who underwent surgical treatment for unruptured MCA aneurysms at our Institution were retrospective evaluated. Patients’ clinical, radiological and surgical reports were collected. Cognitive evaluation and quality-of-life were assessed through validated test through telephone interviews. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: the “PT (pterional) group” and the “MPT (mini-pterional) group”. ResultsNinety-two patients were included in the present analysis. A significant reduction of postoperative complication rate and of new onset postoperative seizures was recorded in the MPT group (p-value 0.006). Severe cognitive deficits were lower in the MPT group although without a clear statistical correlation. ConclusionDecreasing in complication rates, faster recovery time, and trend towards better cognitive and functional performances were documented for the MPT group of patients. In our experience, the mini-pterional approach with multimodality-assisted microsurgery reduced neurological complications and recovery time, and improved long-term cognitive outcome and quality of life.

Comparative anatomical analysis between lateral supraorbital and minipterional approaches.

The pterional craniotomy, described by Yasargil and Fox in 1975, constitutes the most traditional and important surgical access in vascular neurosurgery. Minimally invasive alternatives include the minipterional (MP) and lateral supraorbital (LSO) craniotomies, which avoid complications such as injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve, temporal muscle dysfunction, depression of the craniotomy site, frontal sinus opening, and cosmetically unacceptable outcomes. We evaluated and compared the exposures provided by MP and LSO craniotomies through quantitative measurements of the surgical exposure area around the circle of Willis and parasellar regions, as well as angular and linear exposures of the internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation, middle cerebral artery (MCA), midpoint of the anterior communicating artery, and tip of the basilar artery (BA). Seven fresh cadavers were dissected at the São Paulo Medical Examiner's Office, SP, and three at the skull base laboratory of Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA. The craniotomies were performed sequentially, initially with the LSO craniotomy followed by the MP. After the craniotomy, the surgical exposure area, craniotomy area, and angular exposures in the horizontal and vertical axes were determined. The MP craniotomy provided better angular exposure for the ipsilateral MCA, while the LSO craniotomy and BA provided better vertical axis exposures. The LSO craniotomy provided better angular exposure in the vertical axis for the midpoint of the anterior communicating artery and contralateral ICA bifurcation. Regarding surgical exposure and craniotomy area, there were no statistically significant differences. The MP craniotomy offers a significantly larger surgical exposure compared to the LSO craniotomy, with specific advantages regarding angular exposure to important neurovascular structures. This study provides important quantitative data to guide the choice between these minimally invasive access techniques in vascular neurosurgery.

Minimally Invasive Microsurgery for Cerebral Contusions

Abstract Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is among the main causes of death and neurological sequelae worldwide. Injuries are classified as diffuse (diffuse axonal injury and brain swelling) or focal (cerebral contusion [CCo], epidural hematoma, and acute subdural hematoma). Among all TBIs, CCos are the most frequent focal lesion, and treatment modalities are many. Hematoma evacuation using large craniotomies has been well described in the literature. The main goal of the present study is to discuss the advantages of minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of CCos, regarding operative time, blood loss, and postoperative tomographic results. Methods An integrative literature review was conducted on the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases. Seven case reports were included in the present study. Retrospective data collection was performed, analyzing gender, age, Glasgow coma scale score on hospital admission, surgical approach, and postoperative (tomographic) results. Results The minimally invasive keyhole approach was used in seven patients with CCos. The supraorbital approach (n = 5) was performed for frontal lobe contusions, and the minipterional approach (n = 2) was performed for temporal lobe contusions. All cases had adequate hematoma evacuation, confirmed by postoperative computed tomography scans. Conclusion The minimally invasive approaches were effective for hematoma evacuation, with adequate clinical and radiological postoperative results.

Anatomical Justification of Extradural Resection of the Anterior Clinoid Process.

Objective The study aimed to provide neuroanatomical justification of the extradural resection of the anterior clinoid process (ACP). Material and Method Using a cross-sectional study design, 47 cranial computed tomography (CT) scans were examined. There were 31 (65.96%) females aged 28 to 79 years. The measured dimensions were ACP length and width, and optic strut (OS) width. Index (i acp ) was measured as the ratio of ACP width to ACP length. The ACP volume and working operating field (WOF) volume were measured using Syngo.via Siemens program. The percentage expansion of WOF after removal of the ACP was estimated on 5 fixed human cadaver heads with the exoscope VITOM 3D. The possibilities of the combined approach were demonstrated in a clinical case. Results The mean ACP lengths were 11.31 ± 2.76 and 11.54 ± 2.86 mm, on the right and left, respectively. The mean ACP widths were 7.70 ± 1.66 and 7.64 ± 1.67 mm, on the right and left, respectively. Average i acp was 0.67 (minimum 0.45; maximum 0.90). The width of the OS varied in the range from 1.37 to 4.75 mm. The average volume of right ACP was 0.71 ± 0.16 cm 3 , right WOF was 3.26 ± 0.74 cm 3 , left ACP was 0.71 ± 0.15 cm 3 , left and WOF was 3.20 ± 0.76 cm 3 . Removal of the right ACP expanded the right WOF by 22.21 ± 3.88%, and left ACP by 22.78 ± 5.50%. There was an approximately 25% increase in the WOF from the cadaveric dissections. Taking into account the variability of the ACP and OS, we proposed our own surgical classification of complicated (i acp ≥ 0.67; medium OS 2.5 mm ≤ 4.0 mm; wide OS ≥ 4.0 mm; ACP with pneumatization) and uncomplicated ACP (i acp 0.45 ≤ 0.67 mm; i acp ≤ 0.45; narrow OS ≤ 2.5 mm; ACP without pneumatization). Using this classification, we developed an algorithm for ACP dissection and removal. This was piloted in a clinical case of microsurgical clipping of a left internal carotid artery-posterior communicating artery aneurysm via the left minipterional approach. Conclusion Extradural removal of ACP expands the WOF by approximately 25%, it helps neurosurgeons to improve proximal vascular control and avoid complications, and expands the range of indications for neurosurgical interventions in the skull base area.

A meta-analysis of Lateral supraorbital vs mini Pterional approach in the outcome of rupture and unruptured noncomplex aneurysms’ surgery

To determine the characteristics and to compare the functional outcomes and safety of different subfrontal approaches versus mini Pterional (MPT) approaches mainly for the treatment of ruptured noncomplex intracranial aneurysms. This meta-analysis included articles comparing outcomes of brain aneurysms (BAs) – most for the anterior circulation–, using Lateral supraorbital & Supraorbital keyhole (LSO) versus MPT approach. There were six articles left into the final article pool and the total number of patients was 683 (322 in LSO and 361 in the MPT group). In terms of the early and late time of surgery, the LSO seems to be superior over the MPT approach but with heterogeneity (OR −0.21, CI 95% −0.59 to 0.18, and p = 0.04 ) or (OR −0.21, CI 95% −0.69 to 0.28, and p = 0.05 ), and ( p = 0.02 and I 2 = 68.97%) or ( p = 0.05 and I 2 = 61.74%) respectively. Regarding the subgroup of patients with the supra-early time of surgery, surgical duration, completed occlusion, technical intraoperative complications, postoperative infection, intraoperative rupture, vasospasm, good and poor neurological outcomes and clinical deterioration, there was no superiority of the one method over the other. Mini or keyhole craniotomy even challenging might be a good option for neurosurgeons. Particularly in ruptured noncomplex aneurysms’ surgery LSO seems to be superior over the MPT approach in terms of the early time and in the late time of surgery but with heterogeneity. Determinar las características, comparar los resultados funcionales y la seguridad de los diferentes abordajes subfrontales vs. los abordajes minipterionales (MPT) en el tratamiento principalmente de aneurismas intracraneales rotos. Este metaanálisis incluye artículos que comparan los resultados quirúrgicos de los aneurismas cerebrales (mayoría de circulación anterior), utilizando un abordaje supraorbitario o supraorbitario lateral (LSO) frente un abordaje MPT. En el análisis quedaron seis artículos con un número total de pacientes de 683 (322 en el grupo LSO y 361 en el MPT). En cuanto al tiempo de cirugía precoz y tardío de la cirugía, el LSO parece ser superior al abordaje MPT pero con heterogeneidad (OR -0.21, IC 95% -0.59 - 0.18, y p = 0,04) o (OR -0,21, IC 95% -0,69 - 0,28, y p = 0,05), y (p = 0,02 e 12 = 68,97%) o (p = 0,05 e 12 = 61,74%), respectivamente. En cuanto al subgrupo de pacientes con tiempo de cirugía supraprecoz, la duración quirúrgica, la oclusión completa, las complicaciones técnicas intraoperatorias, la infección postoperatoria, la rotura intraoperatoria, el vasoespasmo, los resultados neurológicos y el deterioro, no hubo diferencias en superioridad de un método sobre el otro. Los resultados muestran que tanto la craneotomía MPT como el LSO, podrían ser una buena opción. Particularmente en la cirugía de aneurismas rotos no complejos el abordaje LSO parece ser superior al abordaje MPT en términos del momento inicial y tardío de la cirugía, aunque existe una heterogeneidad en los resultados.

How I do it—Helsinki style mini-pterional craniotomy for clipping of middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms

BackgroundDifferent versions of the mini-pterional (MPT) approach have been described often with the idea the smaller the better. Attempts to reduce incision and craniotomy size for better cosmetic results should not be performed at the expense of safety.MethodWe present our take on the MPT as a balance between size and safety which can be adopted by vascular neurosurgeons in training. The craniotomy stays within the confines of the superior temporal line and is completely covered by temporal muscle after closure.ConclusionThis approach is cosmetically superior while still offering anatomical familiarity and sufficient instrument maneuverability.

Keyhole Approaches Applied to Clipping of Acutely Ruptured Intracerebral Aneurysms—A Technical Note and Case Series

Evolution of keyhole techniques in aneurysm surgery allows for definitive surgical management of aneurysmal pathology with little disruption of normal surrounding tissue. While experienced vascular neurosurgeons are increasingly applying keyhole techniques to unruptured aneurysms, experience with ruptured aneurysms is limited. We sought to explore technical nuances and present operative outcomes for our series of 40 consecutive patients presenting with ruptured intracerebral aneurysms treated with surgical clipping via a keyhole approach. This study is a consecutive, single-surgeon, single-center retrospective case series of aneurysms clipped with keyhole approaches at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Patients presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage were worked up exclusively with computed tomography. On the basis of vessel location and unique anatomic features, aneurysms were clipped through one of these approaches: minipterional, supraorbital, or keyhole interhemispheric. Operative details were assessed on retrospective file review, and patient outcomes were assessed on clinic follow-up. A minipterional approach was used for 55% of cases, the supraorbital approach in 30% of cases, and the mini-interhemispheric approach in 15% of cases. The intraoperative aneurysm rupture rate was 26.2%. Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 97.4% with none of the 40 cases requiring conversion of a keyhole to a larger craniotomy. A good outcome was achieved for 72.5% of patients (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2). For patients presenting with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade I to III subarachnoid hemorrhage, 92.9% achieved a good outcome. The present series supports the concept that sound technical execution of keyhole approaches, even in the setting of acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysms, is a viable option for clipping of intracranial aneurysms.

Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma – Multiple Skullbase Approaches: Their Safety And Efficacy

Background: Tuberculum sellae (T.S.) meningiomas accounts for 5–10% of all intracranial meningiomas. The primary goal of surgery is to improve or at least maintain visual function, but this objective poses a formidable surgical challenge, because of the risk of postoperative visual impairment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate outcome in TSM patients treated microsurgically using multiple skull base approaches such as transcranial approach and extended endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 34 patients was aimed to observe the efficacy of the different common approaches by a single neurosurgeon. The approaches were minipterional approach, superciliary keyhole microscopic approach, superciliary keyhole endoscopic assisted approach, bifrontal basal approach and extended endoscopic endonasal approach. All the patients were evaluated preoperatively by visual field analysis and contrast MRI. Postoperative follow-up was done by visual field analysis and by contrast MRI or contrast CT scan of brain. Result: Through transcranial surgery vision improved in 86.20%, static in 10.34% and deteriorated vision in 03.45%. Through transsphenoidal surgery vision improved in 80%, static in 20% and deteriorated in 0%. Through transcranial microscopic approaches (minipterional, minibifrontal basal, superciliary keyhole microscopic) gross total removal was done in 58.82%, near total in 10.34% and partial removal in 03.45%. Through transcranial/superciliary keyhole endoscopic assisted approach, gross total removal was done in 80% and near total in 20%. Through transsphenoidal approach gross total removal was done in 60%, near total in 20% and partial removal in 20%. Conclusion: Now a days endoscopic assisted key hole superciliary mini craniotomy for resection of tuberculum sellae meningioma is commonly used because of less morbidity and good visual outcome and this can be done without microscopic set up. The endonasal route is preferred for removal of T.S. meningioma when they are mostly sellar and directing towards third ventricle. The major limitation of this approach is a narrow surgical corridor. The gross total removal was better achieved with minibifrontal basal and minipterional craniotomy. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2022; 11(2): 80-88

Supraorbital and mini-pterional keyhole craniotomies for brain tumors: a clinical and anatomical comparison of indications and outcomes in 204 cases.

The authors' objective was to compare the indications, outcomes, and anatomical limits of supraorbital (SO) and mini-pterional (MP) craniotomies in patients with intra- and extraaxial brain tumors, and to assess approach selection, utility of endoscopy, and surgical field overlap. A retrospective analysis was conducted of all brain tumor patients who underwent an SO or MP approach. The analyzed characteristics included pathology, endoscopy use, extent of resection, length of stay (LOS), and complications. On the basis of preoperative MRI data, tumor heatmaps were constructed to compare surgical access provided by both routes, including coronal projection heatmaps for parasellar tumors. From 2007 to 2020, 158 patients underwent 173 (84.8%) SO craniotomies and 30 patients underwent 31 (15.2%) MP craniotomies; 71 (34.8%) procedures were reoperations. Of these 204 operations, 110 (63.6%) SO and 21 (67.7%) MP approaches were for extraaxial tumors (meningiomas in 65% and 76.2%, respectively). Gliomas and metastases together represented 84.1% and 70% of intraaxial tumors accessed with SO and MP approaches, respectively. Overall, 56.1% of tumors accessed with the SO approach and 41.9% of those accessed with the MP approach were in the parasellar region. Axial projection heatmaps showed that SO access extended along the entire ipsilateral and medial contralateral anterior cranial fossa, parasellar region, ipsilateral sylvian fissure, medial middle cranial fossa, and anterior midbrain, whereas MP access was limited to the ipsilateral middle cranial fossa, sylvian fissure, lateral parasellar region, and posterior aspect of anterior cranial fossa. Coronal projection heatmaps showed that parasellar access extended further superiorly with the SO approach compared with that of the MP approach. Endoscopy was utilized in 98 (56.6%) SO craniotomies and 7 (22.6%) MP craniotomies, with further tumor resection in 48 (49%) and 5 (71.4%) cases, respectively. Endoscope-assisted tumor removal was clustered in areas that were generally at farther distances from the craniotomy or in angled locations such as the cribriform plate region where microscopic visualization is limited. Gross-total or near-total resection was achieved in 120/173 (69%) SO approaches and 21/31 (68%) MP approaches. Major complications occurred in 11 (6.4%) SO approaches and 1 (3.2%) MP approach (p = 0.49). The median LOS decreased to 2 days in the last 2 years of the study. This clinical experience suggests the SO and MP craniotomies are versatile, safe, and complementary approaches for tumors located in the anterior and middle cranial fossae and perisylvian and parasellar regions. The SO route, used in 85% of cases, achieved greater overall reach than the MP route. Both approaches may benefit from expanded visualization with endoscopy.

Minipterional Approach for Middle Fossa Skull Base Lesions: Technical Note.

Surgical access to the middle fossa can be technically challenging. As neurosurgery evolves to minimally invasive approaches, the objective of this study is to demonstrate the extension of the Minipterional approach to access the middle fossa. We present a new surgical approach to the middle fossa for the treatment of secondary trigeminal neuralgia. Three cases are reported to illustrate the following techniques: a patient with petrotentorial meningioma and trigeminal neuralgia, a patient with an arachnoid cyst compressing the fifth nerve, and a patient with a middle cerebral artery aneurysm and a long history of TN (trigeminal neuralgia) refractory to medical and surgical treatments. All three experienced full symptom controls with no permanent neurological deficits. Therefore, the Minipterional technique might represent a feasible, effective, and safe option to treat refractory secondary TN. It also allows approaching these lesions when the posterior fossa approach is compromised by anatomical distortion and enables the simultaneous treatment of secondary trigeminal neuralgia and other lesions, such as aneurysms and meningiomas.

Minipterional approach for anterior circulating aneurysms

The minipterional approach is less invasive than pterional craniotomy and uses the gravity as an ally. Patient’s head position is a key, due to deflection and rotation of aneurysms. This is a brief note aiming to describe the approach step-by-step.

How I do it: microsurgical clipping of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms through minipterional approach with extradural resection of the anterior clinoid process

Background. In modern neurosurgery, preference is given to less invasive procedures. A classic example is switching from standard surgical approaches to keyhole approaches, in particular transition from pterional to minipterional approach. In turn, addition of extradural resection of the anterior clinoid process to the minipterional approach significantly expands the range of its indications.Method. The paper analyses the stages and main features of microsurgical clipping of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms through the minipterional approach with extradural anterior clinoidectomy in patients operated in the Federal Centre of Neurosurgery (Tyumen, Russia) by professor Sufianov.Conclusion. The technique described in this research is a safe surgical approach, which demonstrates the efficacy of adding some skull base surgery elements to keyhole approaches. This type of craniotomy could become a method of choice for many neurosurgical conditions.

Clipaje de doble aneurisma de la arteria comunicante posterior fetal verdadera por abordaje minipterional más control con fluoresceína sódica: reporte de caso

Introduction: True fetal or fetal type posterior communicating artery aneurysms (PComA) are a technical challenge for the neurosurgeon in both endovascular and microsurgical treatment. Microsurgical clipping using minimally invasive approaches is a safe and optimal alternative solution. Clinical case: a 53-year-old patient who presented subarachnoid hemorrhage, Hunt &amp; Hess scale III, Fisher scale III, and Glasgow Coma Scale of 13. Cerebral angioCT showed two saccular aneurysms in the right true fetal PComA. The patient underwent a right interfacial minipterional craniotomy and clipping of the 2 aneurysms, using sodium fluorescein as a guide. Total occlusion of the aneurysms was achieved, maintaining the patency of the fetal PComA. Conclusion: The minipterional approach allows adequate access to the fetal PComA and the aneurysms originating from it. It is essential to review the patency of the adjacent vessels, being the use of intraoperative fluorescein is an essential complement to avoid complications such as cerebral infarction. Keywords: Intracranial Aneurysm, Craniotomy, Fluorescein, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Neurosurgeons (Source: MeSH NLM)

Fully endoscopic transcranial removal of anterior fossa meningioma through the minipterional keyhole approach in case with marked frontal sinuous pneumatization: clinical case

Transcranial surgery of skull base meningiomas currently remains the main method of treatment. Transnasal removal is possible in a number of cases, but it is associated with the risk of postoperative CSF-leak as a result of insolvency of the reconstruction of the skull base defect. Minimally invasive (keyhole) accesses provide a tumor overview comparable to standard accesses in most cases. The anterior-medial part of the anterior cranial fossa and the olfactory fossa is not accessible to the direct view from the minipterional craniotomy. The use of angular endoscopic optics in combination with additional resection or thinning of the bones in the orbital roof provides an overview sufficient to remove the tumor, but manipulations in this area require the use of specific tools. Aspirators, dissectors and coagulators should have bends of different expressions. The application of the described technique is advisable only in certain specially selected cases.