Supraorbital Eyebrow Approach Research Articles

Supraorbital Eyebrow Approach for Translamina Terminalis Resection of Third Ventricle Metastasis: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Tumors involving the third ventricle are rare, accounting for 0.6%-0.9% of all brain tumors. This deep-seated cavity is surrounded by critical neurovascular structures, making safe surgical resection of lesions in this region challenging. Traditionally, tumors of the third ventricle have been approached through a craniotomy and microsurgical resection.1-4 The supraorbital keyhole approach is a minimally invasive technique that can be used with minimal retraction of the brain and limited craniotomy while establishing a surgical field comparable with what can be achieved using traditional transcranial approaches. In this video, we describe the case of a 54-year-old man who underwent a supraorbital eyebrow approach for translamina terminalis resection of papillary thyroid carcinoma metastasis to the third ventricle. A gross total resection was achieved. The results achieved in our series are comparable with previously published reports of patients who underwent surgical resection of metastatic lesions involving the third ventricle.5-11 The patient consented to the procedure and to the publication of his image.

TRANSCONJUNCTIVAL APPROACH FOR SURGICAL REPAIR OF INFRAORBITAL RIM FRACTURES AND ORBITAL FLOOR FRACTURES.

The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the use of a transconjunctival surgical approach in maxillofacial surgery on the fractures ofthe infraorbital rim and the orbital floor by analyzing the operating time, the incidence of perioperative and postoperative complications, as well as the functional and aesthetic outcomes of transconjunctival surgical treatment. All the patients on whom we used a transconjunctival approach from December 2017 to December 2021 were included in this retrospective study. The epidemiological causes of fractures of the midface skeleton were analyzed. The length of the operating time of the transconjunctival approach with lateral canthotomy was compared with a control group in which the supraorbital eyebrow approach was performed. In addition, we analyzed the incidence of perioperative and postoperative complications in comparison with publications from other centers. We used the transconjunctival approach 103 times on 89 patients (in 14 patients the transconjunctival approach was performed bilaterally). In cases where the lateral canthotomy was used to extend the transconjunctival approach, there was no prolongation of the operating time. Perioperative complications included the perforation of the lower eyelid in 2 patients. In the postoperative period we recorded complications in 3 patients. Ectropion of the lower eyelid was present in one patient and entropion of the lower eyelid was observed in two patients. The percentage of perioperative and postoperative complications does not exceed the incidence of complications in transcutaneous approaches on the infraorbital rim. Based on the results of our study, we can consider the transconjunctival approach, either alone or in combination with lateral canthotomy.

Supraorbital eyebrow approach and pterional approach in surgical treatment of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms: a propensity score-matched analysis.

The aim of this study is to reveal efficacy and efficiency of the supraorbital eyebrow approach (SEA) in clipping ruptured and unruptured aneurysms where both SEA and pterional approach (PA) are considered feasible by comparing SEA and PA using propensity score matching. A total of 229 patients who underwent surgical clipping of an aneurysm from 2013 to 2022 and met inclusion criteria were recruited in the study. A study group of 67 patients treated via the SEA and a comparison group of 162 patients treated via the PA were formed. Then, the subgroups of 66 patients each, with balanced incoming factors, were analyzed using the propensity score technique. The safety and efficacy endpoints were compared. Successful clipping was achieved in all cases of both groups. There were no patients in the SEA group who required conversion to the standard craniotomy. There were no procedure-related deaths in this series. No patient experienced early or late rebleeding in either group. Mean blood loss volume in the SEA group was lower than in the PA group by approximately 77.5 ml (p < 0.001). There were favorable differences in the SEA group regarding postoperative neurological deficit (p = 0.016), postoperative epileptic seizure rate (p = 0.013), ischemic and hemorrhagic complications (p = 0.028 and 0.0009, respectively), and outcomes (p < 0.001). Patients' satisfaction with cosmetic results measured by the visual analog scale was rated highly in both groups (p = 0.081). For patients where SEA provides adequate exposure, it results in safety and cosmetic outcomes not inferior to the PA.

Contralateral supraorbital eyebrow approach for tuberculum sellae meningioma.

The main challenge in tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM) resection is the safe dissection of the optic nerves, which many a times are compressed and distorted by the tumor. While intuitive, an approach from the side of predominant tumor extension makes tumor dissection from the medial surface of the ipsilateral optic nerve rather blind. We describe here a contralateral supraorbital eyebrow approach (c-SEA) to address this "blind spot." c-SEA was performed using a 2 × 2 cm craniotomy. The patient improved after surgery and postoperative imaging confirmed the totality of the tumor resection. c-SEA can be an excellent minimally invasive option for asymmetric TSM.

Endoscopic Supraorbital Eyebrow Approach for Medium-Sized Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas: A Cadaveric Stepwise Dissection, Technical Nuances, and Surgical Outcomes

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) have traditionally been removed using a transcranial approach. In recent years, endoscopic surgeries for TSMs have been reported with an expansion of indications. We have performed a fully endoscopic supraorbital keyhole approach for small to medium size TSMs, and performed radical tumor removal similar to conventional transcranial procedure. We report the details of this surgical procedure including cadaveric stepwise dissection and initial surgical results for small to medium size TSMs. We used an endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow approach for 6 patients with TSMs between September 2020 and September 2022. Mean tumor diameter was 16.0 mm (range, 10-20 mm). The surgical approach included an eyebrow skin incision ipsilateral to the lesion, a small frontal craniotomy, subfrontal exposure of the lesion, removal of the tuberculum sellae, unroofing of the optic canal and resection of the tumor. The extent of resection, pre- and postoperative visual function, complications, and operative time were evaluated. Optic canal involvement was observed in all patients. Two patients (33%) showed visual dysfunction before surgery. Simpson grade 1 tumor resection was achieved in all cases. Visual function was improved in 2 cases, and remained unchanged in 4 cases. Postoperative pituitary function was preserved in all cases, with no decreases in olfaction. The endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow approach for TSMs allowed resection of the lesion, including tumor extending to the optic canal, with a good surgical view. This technique is minimally invasive for patients and may represent a good surgical option for medium size TSMs.

The Supraorbital Eyebrow Approach in Pediatric Neurosurgery: Perspectives and Challenges of Frontal Keyhole Surgery.

Supraorbital craniotomy via an eyebrow incision provides minimally invasive cosmetically favorable access to both orbital and intracranial pathologies. We describe the indication, surgical technique, and clinical course using this surgical approach in a cohort of patients from a single pediatric neurosurgery unit. In a retrospective analysis, we identified all surgical cases between January 2013 and April 2022 who underwent the supraorbital craniotomy via an eyebrow incision. Craniotomy was performed using piezosurgery ultrasonic bone incision. An interdisciplinary team of an orbital surgeon and a neurosurgeon performed the orbital surgeries. Clinical and surgical characteristics, perioperative data, possible complications, or redo surgeries as well as ophthalmologic status were assessed. Clinical data of 37 interventions (cases) in 30 patients (age: 8±6.5years) were analyzed. The supraorbital craniotomy established access to the cranial, lateral, and central portions of the orbit (n=11) and ipsilateral fronto-medial portions of the skull base (n=26). Thirty cases suffered from tumor disease with heterogeneous histopathologic diagnoses, and in 13 cases, adjuvant therapy was required. The mean duration of surgery was 163±95min, and the mean time of hospital stay was 6.0±2.8days. In two cases (5.4%), the following complications were observed. One infection treated by puncture and antibiotics and one revision surgery was necessary due to loosening of osteosynthesis material. Postoperative visual function was stable compared to preoperative status after all interventions. After a mean follow-up time of 26±25.9months for oncologic cases the long term outcome was complete remission in 13, stable disease in 14, progressive disease in 1 and death in 2 patients. The supraorbital eyebrow approach is feasible and safe in pediatric neurosurgical cases as a minimally invasive and cosmetic favorable technique and should be considered for intraorbital as well as ipsilateral intracranial lesions adjacent to the skull base. Interdisciplinary cooperation enables a broader spectrum of surgical options in orbital and complex, fronto-basal, skull base pathologies.

Supraorbital eyebrow approach: A single-center experience.

Keyhole neurosurgery is the notion of safely removing brain and skull base lesions through smaller and more precise openings that lessen collateral damage to the surrounding scalp, brain, blood vessels, and nerves. The traditional frontal and pterional approaches require large craniotomies and this predisposes patients to significant and avoidable morbidity. With the growing expectation for minimally invasive surgery, we present our experience with the supraorbital keyhole craniotomy for surgical lesions in the anterior cranial fossa and parasellar regions. We retrospectively analyzed and evaluated all cases of neoplastic, vascular, trauma, and infective pathologies of the anterior fossa and parasellar regions treated using a keyhole approach, the supraorbital eyebrow (SOE) approach from January 2018 to June 2022. Treatment outcomes were evaluated based on pathology. A total of 50 patients underwent a SOE craniotomy during the study period (28 females and 22 males). Their average age ranged from 12 to 86 years, with a mean age of 47.4 years. All patients had anterior skull base and/or anterior frontal lobe pathologies: (23 tumors, 17 ruptured aneurysms, five traumatic frontal hematomas, three extradural empyema, one cerebral cavernous malformation, and one traumatic frontal skull base fracture with dural tear and CSF leak). Gross total tumor resection was achieved in 87% of cases (13 meningiomas of which six were giant, three gliomas, two craniopharyngiomas, and two cerebral metastases). Clip ligation occlusion rate for our aneurysm cases was 100% and intraoperative rerupture was observed in three cases. Mean ICU stay was 2.2 days for the entire series. The overall 30-day mortality rate for our series was 16% (eight deaths). This was highest in the ruptured aneurysm subgroup, with all 5 mortality cases in the aneurysmal subgroup presenting as World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grades ≥ III. 4 of the deaths were in WFNS IV and V patients. The most frequent perioperative complication was transient periorbital swelling which resolved within 7 days. It was observed in 18 of the 50 patients. The next common complications in descending frequency were eyebrow alopecia (three cases), supraorbital hypoesthesia (two cases), CSF leak (two cases), and surgical site infection (one case). There was one approach-related intraoperative complication secondary to carotid injury in a giant meningioma redo case. Conversion to a larger craniotomy was never necessary. Clinical outcome for our cases was evaluated according to the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3-month postsurgery. A good clinical outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was achieved for 78% of our patients. The SOE approach craniotomy is an effective minimally invasive approach for various pathologies of the anterior cranial base and parasellar regions. With experience, giant tumors and complex vascular pathology can be addressed with this keyhole approach.

Post-operative Scar Comparison With Supraorbital Eyebrow and Upper Blepharoplasty Approach in the Management of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures.

A prospective randomized comparative study was conducted to evaluate the postsurgical scar with Supraorbital Eyebrow (SE) Approach and Upper Blepharoplasty (UB) Approach used for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. To evaluate and compare the post-operative scar using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) following ORIF of ZMC fractures with SE and UB approaches. In this study, 88 patients with ZMC fractures requiring ORIF and meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited between 2019 and 2020. Patients were randomly divided into SE and UB group, 44 patients in each. Clinical and radiological assessment was done preoperatively and post-operative scar evaluation was carried out at different intervals over a period of 6 months using VSS. A blinded observer rated the scar. The results showed that after 6 months of surgery, all the 44 (100%) patients in UB group had a mild scar (VSS score 1-5), while in the SE group 34 (77.3%) patients had a mild scar (VSS score 1-5) and 10 (22.7%) had a moderate scar (VSS score 6-10). The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P-value = .001). The UB approach has been established to be superior to SE approach in terms of post-operative scar as the results were statistically significant. This study can be used to advocate more frequent use of UB approach as compared to the previously popular SE approach for the management of ZMC fractures.

Endoscopic Assisted Supraorbital Approach for Tumors of Anterior and Middle Skull Base

Background Data: The supraorbital eyebrow approach is a minimally invasive keyhole technique that offers wide access to the anterior skull base and parasellar region using the subfrontal corridor, with assistances of neuroendoscopy The approach through the eyebrow permits access to a number of lesions in the subfrontal corridor with minimal brain retraction and a much smaller area of potential injury of main structures.&#x0D; Study Design: This study is a follow up study.&#x0D; Objective: To evaluate the role of supraorbital endoscopic approach for tumors of anterior and middle skull base.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: All the operations were performed at Suez Canal University hospitals, in about 24 months, the first 30 patients having tumors of anterior and middle skull base fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in this prospective study.&#x0D; Results: Endoscopy can play an important role in improving visualization through the keyhole corridor. With the use of neuroendoscopy, the reach of this approach may be extended even further to include the pituitary fossa, the top third of the clivus, the interpeduncular cistern, the anterior third ventricle, and the medial and anterior temporal lobe and middle fossa.The major advantage of the supraorbital over the endonasal route is a simplified skull base closure and reduced risk of postoperative CSF leak. It is a valuable approach for selected patients. Neuromonitoring may further increase surgical safety.&#x0D; Conclusion: The approach through the eyebrow permits access to a number of lesions in the subfrontal corridor With the use of the assisstence of neuroendoscopy, with minimal brain retraction and a much smaller area of potential injury of anatomical structures.

The outcome of Endoscopic Supraorbital Eyebrow Approach: A Case Series Reported from PINS, Pakistan

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the technique and results of the endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow craniotomy for resection of extra-axial skull base lesions.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A case study of 70 patients who underwent the endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow approach was conducted. The patients' lesion location, the extent of excision, hospital stay, complications, and cosmetic results were all examined. A 48-hour postoperative CT scan was conducted, followed by a 6-week MRI to check for residuals. Total resection (complete), near-total resection (&gt;90 percent), and subtotal resection (&lt; 90 percent) were the three types of resection rates. At the follow-up appointment, the wound was evaluated for aesthetic reasons as well as any neurological impairment.&#x0D; Results: There were 39% male patients and 61.4% female patients. The mean age of the patients was 37 years. Craniopharyngioma (88.57%) was reported in most of the patients. In the majority (93%) of the cases, total resection was performed. No complication was observed in 70% of the patients. 14% of patients reported Diabetes insipidus. No intraoperative complications like bleeding or tissue injury were observed. 88.57% of patients were satisfied with the surgical management.&#x0D; Conclusion: With outstanding aesthetic outcomes, the endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow approach is a safe and effective minimally invasive Keyhole method to remove extra-axial anterior skull base and sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar lesions.

OTHR-14. DIENCEPHALIC SYNDROME SECONDARY TO PITUITARY STALK THICKENING

BACKGROUNDDiencephalic syndrome (DS) is a rare condition associated with neoplastic lesions of the sellar-suprasellar region, whose pathophysiological mechanisms are still unclear. DS occurs in <10% of hypothalamic gliomas and has also been described in suprasellar germinomas, craniopharyngiomas, epidermoid cysts, rarely with non-suprasellar lesions such as brainstem gliomas. DS has not been associated with isolated pituitary stalk thickening. Isolated pituitary stalk thickening (IPST) presents a diagnostic challenge, ranging from benign (craniopharyngioma) to malignant lesions (germinoma, metastasis, histiocytoses of the Langerhans group). The coexistence of diabetes insipidus (DI) with anterior pituitary dysfunction and IPST implies more risk to harbor neoplasia. CASE REPORT: A 6-year old girl presented with DI and inadequate weight gain (despite regular caloric intake) and preservation of linear growth. Neurological examination showed no abnormalities. However, physical examination revealed a malnourished patient (both weight-for-age value and body-mass-index below the third percentile). Blood tests and negative IgA anti-endomysial antibodies excluded malabsorption as a cause of her malnutrition; endocrine work-up excluded thyroid dysfunction, growth hormone deficiency, and adrenal insufficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed thickening of the pituitary stalk with a transverse diameter of 7 mm. The patient underwent a biopsy through a supraorbital eyebrow approach. Histopathological examination revealed lymphocytic hypophysitis, with tissue markers all negative for germinoma. The girl is currently under follow up with serial MRI every three months.CONCLUSIONDS should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any child with failure to thrive, and imaging studies should be performed even if there are no additional neurological symptoms.

Surgical Techniques and the Choice of Operative Approach for Cranioorbital Lesions.

Objectives Cranioorbital lesions present a great challenge for neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists. There is no consensus on the choice of surgical approach. The aims of this study were to investigate 49 cases of cranioorbital lesions and evaluate surgical approaches and outcomes. Patients and Methods A retrospective study was done on 49 patients (51 operations) from 2009 to 2018. Information about the lesion was used to decide whether the supraorbital eyebrow approach (SEA) or pterional approach (PA) was performed. Results Twenty-eight patients had surgical resection using SEA, 21 patients received PA, each group included one case of recurrence, who underwent reoperation via the same approach. SEA provided better cosmetic satisfaction, and a shorter incision than PA ( p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in total resection rates, visual outcomes, recovery of ptosis, and other new surgical-related complications between SEA group and PA group ( p > 0.05). Forty-nine cases of proptosis (94.1%, 49/51) were improved. Thirty-three patients (33/37, 89.2%) who underwent follow-up for longer than 12 weeks had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤ 3. Conclusion Surgery is the preferred treatment for cranioorbital lesions, but total resection is difficult. SEA may be a more minimally invasive option for some more limited lesions superior to optic nerve. PA may be more reasonable for the lesion with obvious hyperostosis and more extensive lesions.

Outcomes After Pterional and Supraorbital Eyebrow Approach for Cranio-Orbital Lesions Communicated via the Supraorbital Fissure—A Retrospective Comparison

The pterional approach (PA) has been used to remove cranio-orbital lesions that have communicated via the supraorbital fissure (SOF). The supraorbital eyebrow approach (SEA) has become increasingly popular as a minimally invasive approach. However, few reports have examined the SEA for cranio-orbital lesions. We assessed the relative advantages, disadvantages, and selection criteria for these 2 approaches. The data from all consecutive patients who had undergone removal of a cranio-orbital lesion that communicated via the SOF using the PA or SEA were analyzed. Of the 25 patients, 13 had undergone surgical resection using the SEA and 12 had undergone resection using the PA. The SEA provided better cosmetic satisfaction, resulted in a shorter surgical time, and required a shorter incision (P < 0.05). Proptosis had improved significantly in all the patients. No significant differences were found in the total resection rates, visual outcomes, recovery of ptosis, or other new surgically related complications between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). All the patients were followed up for an average of 21.9 months. One patient in each group had developed recurrence or progression that required radiotherapy. The disease of the other patients with subtotal resection was stable or atrophic. The SEA provided better cosmetic satisfaction, resulted in a shorter surgical time, and required a shorter incision. The SEA might be a more minimally invasive option for lesions communicating via the SOF without obvious hyperostosis. The PA might be more reasonable for lesions with obvious hyperostosis and more extensive lesions in the cavernous sinus.

Extended Lateral Orbital Craniotomy: Anatomic Study and Initial Clinical Series of a Novel Minimally Invasive Pterional Approach.

Background Of the minimally invasive "keyhole" alternatives to the pterional region, the supraorbital eyebrow approach is the most widely adopted. Yet it can prove disadvantageous when a more direct lateral microsurgical trajectory of attack to the Sylvian fissure and anterior middle fossa are needed. Objective The extended lateral orbital (XLO) approach was designed to be direct and minimally invasive, with the sphenoid ridge at the center of exposure. Methods Five injected cadaver heads were used for anatomic study of the XLO approach. The anatomic course of the frontalis branch of facial nerve was studied in relation to the XLO incision. Following XLO incision, the bone exposure was measured. The intracranial microsurgical exposure was assessed subjectively. Application of the technique in representative clinical operative cases is provided. Results The frontalis nerve was protected in the subgaleal fat pad, with an average minimum distance of 2.3 cm from the XLO incision. The mean calvarial area exposure was 4.95 cm 2 and consistently centered on the sphenoid ridge. Excellent access to ipsilateral Sylvian's fissure, perisylvian regions, and supra-/parasellar structures was possible. The main limitations related to exposure of the posterior Sylvian fissure and the expected limitations of microsurgical instrument manipulation from a smaller craniotomy. Conclusions The XLO approach is a minimally invasive keyhole approach to the pterional region that affords a unique lateral trajectory via a craniotomy centered on the sphenoid ridge. Excellent exposure to properly selected lesions is possible. The incision is at a safe distance from the frontalis branch and shows excellent cosmetic healing.

From above or from below? That is the question. Comparison of the supraorbital approach with the endonasal approach. A cadaveric study

Background: Nowadays the endoscopic endonasal approach is increasingly being used to remove craniopharyngiomas, tuberculum sellae meningiomas and other presellar and parasellar lesions and its value in anterior skull base surgery is undisputed. Herein, we assess the relative advantages, disadvantages and feasibility of the keyhole eyebrow approach and the endonasal endoscopic approach in four cadaveric heads for the removal of presellar and parasellar lesions.Methods: We used four cadaveric heads for 12 surgical dissections. The specimens were embalmed with two different techniques. Two bilateral supraorbital endoscopic assisted approaches and one transnasal expanded endonasal approach were performed for each head. We evaluated the feasibility, maneuverability and safety of each approach. We measured the operating room obtained with each approach and the distance from the main structures we reached.Results: The technical feasibility of the endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal approach and the supraorbital eyebrow approach was reproduced in all four cadaveric heads. The transnasal approach gave us a good operating field medial to the two optic nerves and the two carotid arteries anteriorly until the frontal sinus and, posteriorly, the basilar artery, the emergence of the superior cerebellar arteries and posterior cerebral arteries. After performing the supraorbital approach, we viewed a wider field of the anterior skull base and we were able to reach the ipsilateral carotid artery, the optico-carotid recess, the pituitary stalk, the lamina terminalis until the contra lateral optic nerve and carotid artery, keeping a wider angle of maneuverability.Conclusions: Although the endoscopic transnasal approach has developed in leaps and bounds in the last decade, other transcranial approaches maintain their value. The supraorbital endoscopic approach is a minimally invasive approach and seems to be optimal for those lesions wider than 2 cm in the lateral extension and for all the paramedian lesions.

Eyebrow Incision for Combination Supraorbital Minicraniotomy with Orbital Osteotomy: Application to Cranio-Orbital Lesions.

A pterional-orbital or subfrontal-orbital approach is recommended as a surgical treatment in cranio-orbital lesions. We describe a less invasive approach through an eyebrow incision combined supraorbital minicraniotomy and orbital osteotomy for treating some selected cranio-orbital lesions. Sixteen patients with different cranio-orbital lesions were treated using this less invasive approach. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated to shed light on specific parameters related to this approach. The 16 patients with cranio-orbital lesions underwent 17 operations. A total resection was achieved in 11 lesions. All the patients were followed up for 3-54 months. Postoperative proptosis improved in all cases. Five cases of visual impairment were improved, but 4 patients with blindness did not recover. One patient with bitemporal hemianopia recovered. Three patients with ocular dyskinesia did not recover. Two patients had transient cranial nerve III palsy, and 2 patients had cranial nerve VI palsy. One had delayed hydrocephalus. One died 1 year later as a result of pulmonary metastases. One recurred and the patient underwent a second operation. All the patients had a modified Rankin Scale score ≤1 at 12 weeks follow-up. Some selected cranio-orbital lesions can be treated through a supraorbital eyebrow approach with orbital osteotomy. The presence of retro-ocular fat allows the orbital lesions to be classified as a lesion of the intraretro-ocular or extraretro-ocular fat. It is safe to resect the lesion of extraretro-ocular fat from the retro-ocular fat interface. However, the lesion with optic nerve and extraocular muscles involved should be removed from the intermuscular septae.

Minimally Invasive Approaches for Anterior Skull Base Meningiomas: Supraorbital Eyebrow, Endoscopic Endonasal, or a Combination of Both? Anatomic Study, Limitations, and Surgical Application.

Minimally invasive accesses to the anterior skull base include the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) and the supraorbital eyebrow approach. These 2 are often seen as competing approaches, not alternative or combinatory approaches. In this study, we evaluated the anatomic limitations of each approach and the combined approach for accessing the anterior skull base. Ten neurovascular injected cadaver heads were used for the study. The supraorbital approach to the anterior skull base was performed on 5 heads, and EEA was done on the other 5 heads. Then, the supraorbital approach was added to the 5 heads receiving EEA. Visualization and surgical limitations were recorded by the ability to perform resection of the crista galli, anterior clinoid, cribriform plate, and planum sellae. The maximal lateral extension of EEA for anterior skull base was the midorbit line anteriorly but narrowing down toward the orbital apex. The limitation of the supraorbital approach was found mostly medial and anterior. Drilling of anterior skull base was impossible medially between the sphenoethmoidal suture and the posterior aspect of the crista galli. The combined approach showed complementary areas of visualization and surgical maneuverability. Three clinical cases were presented to illustrate the indications for the stand-alone supraorbital approach, EEA, and combined approach. The limitations of the EEA when dealing with lateral extension of anterior skull base meningiomas, and the limitations of the supraorbital eyebrow approach for medial skull base drilling and reconstruction, can be overcome by a judicious, anatomically based combination of both approaches.

The supraorbital eyebrow approach in children: clinical outcomes, cosmetic results, and complications.

The supraorbital eyebrow approach utilizes an eyebrow skin incision to fashion a supraorbital craniotomy for exposure of the subfrontal corridor. This provides anterolateral access to surgical lesions in the anterior cranial fossa, parasellar regions, brainstem, and medial temporal lobe. With use of the endoscope, further areas can be accessed. This approach has been applied effectively in adults, but questions remain about its use in children-specifically with regard to adequate working space, effectiveness for achieving the desired results, cosmesis, and complications. The authors conducted a retrospective review of more than 450 cases involving patients of all ages who had undergone a supraorbital eyebrow approach performed by the senior author (C.T.) from 1995 to 2013. Only cases involving patients younger than 18 years with a minimum follow-up of 6 weeks were included in this study. All inpatient and outpatient records were retrospectively reviewed and clinical/operative outcomes, cosmetic results, and complications were recorded. In the present article, the authors briefly describe the surgical approach and highlight any differences in applying it in children. Fifty-four pediatric patients who had undergone a supraorbital eyebrow approach met inclusion criteria. The pathological conditions consisted mostly of tumors or other resectable lesions. In a total of 51 resectable lesions, 44 surgeries resulted in a gross-total (100%) resection and 7 cases resulted in subtotal (50%-99%) resection. The endoscope assisted and expanded visualization or provided access to areas not reached by standard microscopic visualization in all cases. Cosmetic outcomes were excellent. In all cases, the incisional scar was barely visible at 6 weeks. In 3 cases a minor bone defect was observed on the forehead. Given the small size of the frontal sinus in children, no frontal sinus breaches occurred. Additionally, no CSF leak or wound infection was identified. The supraorbital eyebrow approach is extremely effective in achieving desired results in properly selected cases in patients of all pediatric age ranges, from infants to teenagers. There is sufficient working space for the endoscope and all instruments, allowing for endoscopic assistance and bimanual surgical technique. Cosmetic results are excellent, and complications related to the approach are minimal.

Endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow approach for the surgical treatment of extraaxialand intraaxial tumors.

The supraorbital eyebrow approach is a minimally invasive technique that offers wide access to the anterior skull base region and parasellar area through asubfrontal corridor. The use of neuroendoscopy allows one to extend the approach further to the pituitary fossa, the anterior third ventricle, the interpeduncular cistern, the anterior and medial temporal lobe, and the middle fossa. The supraorbital approach involves a limited skin incision, with minimal soft-tissue dissection and a small craniotomy, thus carrying relatively low approach-related morbidity. All consecutive patients who underwent the endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow approach were retrospectively analyzed for lesion location, pathology, length of stay, complications, and cosmetic results. During a 56-month period, 97 patients (mean age 58.5 years) underwent an endoscopic eyebrow approach to resect extra- and intraaxial brain lesions. The most common pathologies treated were meningiomas (n = 41); craniopharyngiomas (n = 22); dermoid tumors (n = 7); metastases (n = 4); gliomas (n = 3); and other miscellaneous frontal, parasellar, and midbrain (n = 23) lesions. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 2.7 days (range 1-8 days). In 82 patients a total removal of the lesion was performed, while in 15 patients a near-total or subtotal removal was achieved. There were no postoperative hematomas, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, or severe neurological deficits, with the exception of 2 cases of visual deterioration and 1 case each of meningitis, stroke, and third cranial nerve paresis. Other complications directly related to the approach included 2 cases of skin burn as a direct result of heat transmission from the microscope light, 1 case of right frontal palsy, 2 cases of frontal numbness, and 1 case of bone remodeling 1 year after surgery. The endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow approach is a safe and effective minimally invasive approach to remove extra- and intraaxial anterior skull base, parasellar, and frontal lesions, promoting a rapid recovery and short hospital stay. The location of the eyebrow incision demands a meticulous cosmetic closure, but, with proper technique, cosmetic results are excellent.

Supra-orbital keyhole removal of anterior fossa and parasellar meningiomas

The improvement of surgical techniques as well as the introduction of new surgical instruments promoted the use of keyhole craniotomies in neurosurgery. We evaluated the technical aspects of the supra-orbital keyhole approach considering the indications, limitations, and complications of this approach to treat anterior cranial fossa and parasellar meningiomas. Twenty-four patients (21 females; mean age, 53 + or - 8.6 years) operated on between 2002 and 2006 through a supra-orbital eyebrow approach were studied. Maximal tumor diameter ranged from 1.6 to 6 cm. Gross total resection was done in 20 (83.3%). All tumors were histologically benign. Two patients (8%) experienced CSF rinorhea and another two patients suffered transitory diabetes insipidus (8%). One patient experienced transitory hemiparesis. There was one case of meningitis and one mortality. Follow-up ranged between 6 to 66 months (mean 31.5 + or - 20.1 months), with no recurrence. The supra-orbital keyhole craniotomy is a useful minimally invasive approach to treat selected anterior fossa and parasellar meningiomas.