Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomy Research Articles

Olfactory groove meningiomas: supraorbital keyhole versus orbitofrontal, frontotemporal, or bifrontal approaches.

Olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs) often require surgical removal. The introduction of recent keyhole approaches raises the question of whether these tumors may be better treated through a smaller cranial opening. One such approach, the supraorbital keyhole craniotomy, has never been compared with more traditional open transcranial approaches with regard to outcome. In this study, the authors compared clinical, radiographic, and functional quality of life (QOL) outcomes between the keyhole supraorbital approach (SOA) and traditional transcranial approach (TTA) for OGMs. They sought to examine the potential advantages and disadvantages of open/TTA versus keyhole SOA for the resection of OGMs in a relatively case-matched series of patients. A retrospective, single-institution review of 57 patients undergoing a keyhole SOA or larger traditional transcranial (frontotemporal, pterional, or bifrontal) craniotomy for newly diagnosed OGMs between 2005 and 2023 was performed. Extent of resection, olfaction, length of stay (LOS), radiographic volumetric assessment of postoperative vasogenic and cytotoxic edema, and QOL (using the Anterior Skull Base Questionnaire) were assessed. Thirty-two SOA and 25 TTA patients were included. The mean EOR was not significantly different by approach (TTA: 99.1% vs SOA: 98.4%, p = 0.91). Olfaction was preserved or improved at similar rates (TTA: 47% vs SOA: 43%, p = 0.99). The mean LOS was significantly shorter for SOA patients (4.1 ± 2.8 days) than for TTA patients (9.4 ± 11.2 days) (p = 0.002). The authors found an association between an increase in postoperative FLAIR cerebral edema and TTA (p = 0.031). QOL as assessed by the ASQB at last follow-up did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.74). The keyhole SOA was associated with a statistically significant decrease in LOS and less postoperative edema relative to traditional open approaches.

Novel use of an image-guided supraorbital craniotomy via an eyebrow approach for the repair of a delayed traumatic orbital encephalocele: illustrative cases.

Traumatic orbital encephaloceles are rare but severe complications of orbital fractures. These encephaloceles can present months to years after the initial injury. The authors present two cases of traumatic orbital encephalocele in young males struck by motor vehicles. The exact traumatic mechanism of these encephaloceles is unknown, and diagnosis can be confounded by concomitant injuries. The use of a minimally invasive supraorbital keyhole craniotomy has the potential to change how this disease process is managed and has not been previously documented in this setting.

Applications of supraorbital keyhole craniotomy in pediatric cranial trauma: illustrative series of two cases and systematic literature review.

Minimally invasive (MIS) approaches to neurosurgical diseases continue to increase in popularity due to their association with decreased infection risk, shorter recovery time, and improved cosmesis. Cosmesis and lower morbidity are especially important for pediatric patients. The supraorbital keyhole craniotomy (SOKC) is one MIS approach shown to be effective for both neoplastic and vascular pathologies in pediatric patients. However, it is limited data on its use in pediatric trauma patients. Two cases employing SOKC in pediatric trauma patients are presented here along with a systematic review of the literature. We queried PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception to August 2022 using the Boolean search term: (supraorbital OR eyebrow OR transeyebrow OR suprabrow OR superciliary OR supraciliary) AND (craniotomy OR approach OR keyhole OR procedure) AND (pediatric OR children OR child OR young) AND "trauma". Studies that discussed the use of an SOKC in a pediatric patient having sustained trauma to the frontal calvarium and/or anterior fossa/sellar region of the skull base were included. Details were extracted on patient demographics, trauma etiology, endoscope use, and surgical and cosmetic outcomes. We identified 89 unique studies, of which four met inclusion criteria. Thirteen total cases were represented. Age and sex were reported for 12 patients, 25% of whom were male; the mean age was 7.5years (range: 3-16). Pathologies included acute epidural hematoma (9), orbital roof fracture with dural tear (1), blowout fracture of the medial wall of the frontal sinus with supraorbital rim fracture (1), and compound skull fracture (1). Twelve patients were treated with a conventional operating microscope, while one underwent endoscope-assisted surgery. Only one significant complication (recurrent epidural hematoma) was reported. There were no reported cosmetic complications. The MIS SOKC approach is a reasonable option for select anterior skull base trauma in the pediatric population. This approach has been used previously for successful frontal epidural hematoma evacuation, which is often treated by a large craniotomy. Further study is merited.

In Reply to the Letter to the Editor Regarding “Unilateral Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomy Avoiding the Frontal Sinus for Large and Giant Olfactory Groove Meningiomas: A Case Series”

In Reply to the Letter to the Editor Regarding “Unilateral Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomy Avoiding the Frontal Sinus for Large and Giant Olfactory Groove Meningiomas: A Case Series”

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.

In Reply to the Letter to the Editor Regarding “Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomy via Eyebrow Incision: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”

In Reply to the Letter to the Editor Regarding “Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomy via Eyebrow Incision: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”

Combined Simultaneous Multiportal Approach via Minimally Invasive Transciliary and Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches for Tumors Invading Both the Skull Base and the Sinonasal Area

A combined transcranial and transfacial approach has long been the gold standard for surgical management of large tumors with sinonasal and skull base involvement. The extended endoscopic endonasal approach for such pathologies has its advantages, but it has flaws as well, such as anatomic limitations and more ponderous skull base reconstruction and thus higher risk of postoperative complications. Our primary technique for surgical treatment of these pathologies has been a combination of transfacial and minimally invasive transciliary supraorbital keyhole approaches. With the aim to further minimize invasiveness, potential complications, and unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes during surgical treatment of large tumors invading both the sinonasal area and the skull base, we abandoned the transfacial approach and simultaneously combined the transciliary supraorbital keyhole approach with the endoscopic endonasal approach. The well-known microscope-assisted minimally invasive approach via a transciliary supraorbital keyhole craniotomy was combined with the endoscopic endonasal approach. Six patients with different histologic types of tumors affecting the sinonasal area and the skull base were operated on. The mean operative time was 3 hours, there were no unexpected intraoperative or postoperative complications, and total tumor removal was achieved in each patient. None of the patients experienced complications associated with the surgery during follow-up. Our combined simultaneous multiportal approach enables total tumor eradication with reduced operative time and is associated with minimal intraoperative and postoperative complications, low mortality rate, and excellent cosmetic results.

Orbital Rim Sparing Single-piece Fronto-orbital Keyhole Craniotomy Through Eyebrow Incision: A Technical Report and Comparative Review.

The classical eyebrow supraorbital keyhole craniotomy has limited working volume due to the thick incurving of the frontal bone necessitating generous drilling of the frontal base. However, the basal variant with sectioning of the orbital rim results in increased periorbital edema. We describe a novel orbital rim sparing single-piece fronto-orbital keyhole approach, probably the first such report with a comparative review of relevant literature. Following eyebrow incision, bidirectional drilling with a ball tip behind the fronto-zygomatic suture exposes the periorbita and frontal dura, with orbital roof in-between. The craniotomy is fashioned with an angled fronto-orbital cut parallel to and sparing the orbital rim with dura-guard over the periorbita, a frontal cut over the dura, and an optional cut along the lateral orbital roof from within the burr hole. A comparative review of this technique with traditional methods is also carried out. Compared to the classical supraorbital keyhole, this minimally invasive approach yields a wider basal exposure with greater working volume for intracranial and orbital lesions. Compared to the basal variant of keyhole fronto-orbital approach, this technique results in the least disturbance to periorbita's attachment with the orbital margin, maintenance of orbital contour, better cosmesis with use of simple tools and self-fitting flap. The orbital rim sparing single-piece fronto-orbital keyhole craniotomy is an easy and novel minimally invasive approach with greater working volume without the disadvantages of sectioning the orbital rim.

Eyebrow supraorbital keyhole craniotomy for olfactory groove meningiomas with endoscope assistance: case series and systematic review of extent of resection, quantification of postoperative frontal lobe injury, anosmia, and recurrence.

Olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs) are commonly treated with open craniotomy. Endonasal approaches have also been described. To present clinical and radiographic outcomes for the minimally invasive eyebrow incision supraorbital keyhole approach with endoscopic assistance for OGMs. We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study and a systematic literature review. Fifteen patients were identified, all with Grade I meningiomas. Radiographic gross total resection of enhancing tumor was achieved in all patients. Mean frontal lobe fluid-attenuated inversion recovery volume decreased from 11.1 ± 18.3cm3 preoperatively to 9.9 ± 11.4cm3 immediately postoperatively, and there was minimal new restricted diffusion (3.2 ± 2.2cm3; max 7.5cm3). Median length of stay was 3days (range 2-8). Vision was improved in 4 (80%) and stable in 1 (20%) of 5 patients with a preoperative deficit. New postoperative anosmia occurred in 3 (23%) of 13 patients with any preoperative olfaction. All patients were satisfied with their cosmetic result at 3months. After a median follow-up of 32.2months, there were 2 (13.3%) asymptomatic radiographic recurrences, 1 treated with radiosurgery and the other with endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). No patients required further craniotomy. Systematic review revealed the present series to be the largest to date reporting disaggregated outcomes for the eyebrow approach to OGM. The eyebrow incision supraorbital keyhole craniotomy with endoscopic assistance is a safe and effective approach to OGM with tumor control rates similar to more invasive open approaches and better than the endonasal approach. Rates of frontal lobe injury, CSF leak and anosmia are comparatively low.

Operative Technique and Complication Avoidance in Supraorbital Endoscopic Keyhole Craniotomy

Objective: The aim of the current study is to describe the technical details of the endoscopic supraorbital keyhole craniotomy and how to avoid complications related with it.Material and Methods: In this cross sectional observational study nine preserved human cadavers from TheSkull Base Lab of Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA were used. Total number of18 endoscopic supraorbital keyhole craniotomies were performed. Distances between the different targetedanatomical constructs were looked at and measured.Results: A supraorbital craniotomy was performed with details on the technique of the surgery. The secondmajor part of the results comprised of per-operative complications and how to avoid these complications.Conclusion: To treat anterior and middle skull base pathologies, the endoscopic supraorbital keyholecraniotomy is an effective, valuable and minimal access surgical choice.

Keyhole clipping of a low-lying basilar apex aneurysm without posterior clinoidectomy utilizing endoscopic indocyanine green video angiography

Background:Basilar apex (BX) aneurysms are surgically challenging due to their anatomic location, need to traverse neurovascular structures, and proximity to multiple perforator arteries. Surgical approaches often require extensive bone resection and neurovascular manipulation. Visualization of low-lying BX aneurysms is typically obscured by the posterior clinoid and upper clivus and poses a unique challenge. Subtemporal or anterolateral approaches with a posterior clinoidectomy are often required to achieve adequate exposure, though these maneuvers can add invasiveness, risk, and morbidity to the procedure. Endoscopes and, more recently, fluoroscopic angiography capable endoscopes offer the possibility of providing improved visualization with less exposure allowing for minimally invasive clipping.Case Description:We present the case of a 42-year-old female with incidentally found 5 mm middle cerebral artery and 5 mm BX aneurysms. She underwent a minimally invasive supraorbital keyhole craniotomy for the clipping of both aneurysms. While the posterior clinoid obstructed the necessary visualization for the BX aneurysm, use of endoscopy and endoscopic fluoroscopic angiography allowed for safe and successful clipping without the need for a posterior clinoidectomy.Conclusion:This represents the first reported case of a BX aneurysm clipping through a minimally invasive keyhole craniotomy using endoscopic indocyanine green video angiography. Use of endoscopic indocyanine green angiography, combined with keyhole endoscopic approaches, allows for safe minimally invasive clipping of challenging posterior circulation aneurysms.

Olfactory dysfunction in patients undergoing supraorbital keyhole craniotomy for clipping of unruptured aneurysms.

Olfactory performance has rarely been assessed in the perioperative phase of elective aneurysm surgery. Here, we assessed the risk for olfactory deterioration following surgical treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysm via the supraorbital keyhole craniotomy. A retrospective review of patients with electively treated cerebral aneurysms who underwent perioperative assessment of olfactory function using a sniffin' sticks odor identification test between January 2015 and January 2016 was performed. A subgroup of patients without history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, without prior aneurysm treatment, and confirmed olfactory function underwent supraorbital keyhole craniotomy for aneurysm clipping. Microscopic and endoscopic videos were reviewed for this subgroup. Sixty-four patients who underwent elective aneurysm treatment either via surgical clipping or endovascular aneurysm obliteration were identified. Prior to treatment, 4/64 (6.3%) demonstrated bilateral anosmia. Collectively, 14 patients (21.9%) met subgroup criteria of supraorbital keyhole craniotomy for aneurysm clipping. Here, olfactory performance significantly decreased postoperatively on the side of craniotomy (ipsilateral, P = 0.007), whereas contralateral and bilateral olfactory function remained unaltered (P = 0.301 and P = 0.582, respectively). Consequently, 4/14 patients (28.6%) demonstrated ipsilateral anosmia 3 months after surgery. One patient (1/14, 7.1%) also experienced contralateral anosmia resulting in bilateral anosmia. Intraoperative visualization of the olfactory tract and surgical maneuvers do not facilitate prediction of olfactory outcome. The supraorbital keyhole craniotomy harbors a specific risk for unilateral olfactory deterioration. Lack of perioperative olfactory assessment likely results in underestimation of the risk for olfactory decline. Despite uneventful surgery, prediction of postoperative olfactory function and dysfunction remain challenging. Clin. Anat. 33:316-323, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

INDIVIDUAL PLANNING OF SUPRAORBITAL KEYHOLE APPROACHES FOR PATIENTS WITH INTRA- AND EXTRACRANIAL TUMORS

The study objectiveis to generalize the basic principles of the individual preoperative planning in surgery of extra- and intraaxial brain tumors of the frontal lobe and anterior cranial fossa via eyebrow supraorbital keyhole approach.Materials and methods.In 2014–2018, we treated 40 patients with different tumors (meningiomas, gliomas, metastasis) through an eyebrow supraorbital keyhole craniotomy (in F.I. Inozemtsev City Clinical Hospital, Moscow Healthcare Department). Computed tomographyand magnetic resonance imaging with enhancement were performed to evaluate location and size of the tumor, relation to the approach-related anatomical structures (size and location of frontal sinus, pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process, depth of olfactory groove) and individual facial anatomy.Results.Gross total removal of the intraaxial tumors was achieved in 69 %, near-total removal in 31 %. The cranial base meningiomas were removed by Simpson II in 23 (96 %) patients, Simpson III in 1 (2.5 %) patient. A breach of frontal sinus was performed in 2 (5 %)patients. There were no cerebrospinal fluid leakage, infection, hemorrhage, morbidity and mortality.Conclusion.Keyhole surgery for patients with large intracranial tumors requires a thorough preoperative assessment of individual anatomical features, which is necessary to plan an optimal route, reduce the risk of injuries to other structures (not related to the surgical target), as well as the frequency of complications. These principles ensure high efficacy and safety of surgical treatment.

Minimally Invasive Aneurysm Clipping: The Extent of the Supraorbital Approach

The supraorbital keyhole craniotomy is a well-established minimally invasive approach for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. However, the surgical range of exposure using this technique for treatment of intracranial aneurysms has not been studied. We retrospectively reviewed the data of all clipped aneurysm cases using the supraorbital approach (SO) between 2006 and 2016 in our center. Most importantly, we determined the location of the treated aneurysms in the axial 2-dimensional plane, with the anterior clinoid process (ACP) as the point of reference: the ACP to aneurysm distance. Finally, we extracted data on patient age, aneurysm size, size of the craniotomy, length of hospital stay, and surgery-related complications. We included 142 patients for this series. A total of 170 aneurysms were clipped by means of the SO, and in 18 cases multiple aneurysms were treated during the same surgery. The mean aneurysm size was 7 mm (3.5-22 mm) and the mean craniotomy size was 28 mm (19-41 mm). The aneurysm location ranged from 14.4 mm medially to 35 mm laterally, measured with the ipsilateral ACP as the zero reference. Although the SO is conventionally used in the treatment of anterior circulation aneurysms, we were able to treat aneurysms over a range of 50 mm over the skull base. With its low complication risk, relatively short hospital stay, and excellent cosmetic results, SO remains a valuable treatment option for both young and aged patients.

Anterior Skull Base Tumor Resection by Transciliary Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomy: A Single Institutional Experience.

The prognosis and recurrence rate after resection of an anterior skull base lesion via transciliary supraorbital keyhole craniotomy depend on residual tumor volume. The extent to which pathology and size of tumor influence the resection rate using this approach is unknown. Sixty-two patients underwent a total of 64 operations using the supraorbital keyhole approach in this retrospective study. Meningioma was the most common tumor, followed by pituitary adenoma and craniopharyngioma. Age, sex, tumor volume, operative duration, blood loss, and complication rates were evaluated. Pre- and postoperative residual tumor volumes were measured using OsiriX software (medical image viewer system) based on magnetic resonance imaging. A 15-mL cut value divided the subjects into large versus small meningioma groups. The average resection rate for meningiomas was 95.2% compared with 83.9% for craniopharyngiomas and 53.2% for pituitary adenomas. The major complication rate (primarily blindness and hemiplegia) was 4.48% in all tumors. No operative-related deaths occurred. There were no surgical revisions to traditional large craniotomies. No significant differences in age, sex, postoperative volumes, resection rates, or recurrence rates were noted between small and large meningioma groups. However, longer operative times and hospital stays, and greater blood loss occurred in the large meningioma group. Transciliary keyhole craniotomy is a safe and effective approach for anterior skull base tumors, especially meningiomas. Excellent resection results were achieved even in cases of large meningiomas. Although longer operative times, longer hospital stays, and greater blood loss occurred in larger compared with smaller meningioma cases, recurrence rates were similar.

Minipterional and Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomies for Ruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms: Experience at Single Center.

Keyhole craniotomy is a type of pterional craniotomy that involves a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Currently, the minipterional keyhole craniotomy and supraorbital keyhole craniotomy procedures are frequently performed. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of supraorbital keyhole craniotomies and minipterional keyhole craniotomy for the clipping of ruptured intracranial aneurysms in the anterior cerebral circulation as an alternative to the pterional approach in a consecutive series of 25 patients. The rate of intraoperative aneurysmal rupture was 8% (2/25), and all ruptures were safely controlled. The success solely depends on careful selection of patients and the experience of the surgical team.

Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomy for Basilar Artery Aneurysms: Accounting for the "Cliff" Effect.

Treatment of basilar artery aneurysms is challenging. While endovascular techniques have dominated, there still remain circumstances where open surgical clipping is required or preferred. Minimally invasive "keyhole" approaches are being used more frequently to provide the durability of surgical clipping with a lower morbidity profile; however, careful patient selection is required. The supraorbital "keyhole" approach has been described for the treatment of basilar artery aneurysms, but careful assessment of the basilar exposure is necessary to ensure proper visualization of the aneurysm and ability to obtain proximal vascular control. Various methods of estimating the basilar artery exposure in this approach have been described, including the anterior skull base line and the posterior clinoid line, but both are unreliable and inaccurate. To propose a new method, the orbital roof-dorsum line, to simply and accurately predict the basilar artery exposure. CT angiograms for 20 consecutive unique patients were analyzed to obtain the anterior skull base line, posterior clinoid line, and the orbital roof-dorsum line. CT angiograms were then loaded onto a Stealth neuronavigation system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) to obtain "true" visualization lengths. A case illustration is presented. Pairwise comparison tests demonstrated that both the anterior skull base and the posterior clinoid estimation lines differed significantly from the "true" value ( P < .0001). Our orbital roof-dorsum estimation provided results that accurately predicted the "true" value ( P = .71). The orbital roof-dorsum line provides a simple and reliable method of estimating basilar artery exposure and should be used whenever considering patients for surgical clipping by this approach.

SUPRAORBITAL KEYHOLE CRANIOTOMY IN SURGERY OF INTRA- AND EXTRA-AXIAL BRAIN TUMORS

Background . Priority objectives of surgical neurooncology (diagnosis verification, tumor cytoreduction, and preservation of patient’s functional status) can be achieved both through traditional neurosurgical approaches and through the use of keyhole surgery. Keyhole surgery allows to minimize unnecessary, extended resection of the skull base and long-term static brain tissue retraction. Objective . The authors present preliminary results of the use of supraorbital keyhole craniotomy in intra- and extra-axial brain tumors. Materials and methods. In 2014–2016, 45 patients were operated through supraorbital craniotomy to treat intra- and extra-axial tumors. The majority of patients (n = 28) was diagnosed with anterior cranial fossa meningiomas. Gliomas of the frontal lobe were diagnosed in 12 patients. The average tumor size ranged from 3 to 3.5 cm. Results . Mortality, disability, or serious permanent access-related complications were not observed in our group. In all cases, the transition to the classical craniotomy was not required. Periorbital edema and transient hypoesthesia were observed in all patients. Permanent frontal hypoesthesia was observed in 3 patients (4 %) for a time period up to six months. According to postoperative MRI performed in all patients at the time of discharge, in the group of intra-axial brain tumor gross-total removal was observed in 8 patients (47 %), in 9 patients (53 %) the tumor was near-totally removed (more than 90 % of the tumor), in the group of meningiomas all 28 patients had gross-total removal. Conclusion. Supraorbital craniotomy can be an effective and safe alternative to classic approaches to treatment of extra-axial tumors of the anterior cranial fossa and intra-axial tumors of the frontal lobe. The approach requires a very careful selection of patients, individualization of surgery, and further critical evaluation.

Supraorbital keyhole craniotomy in surgery of anterior circle of willis aneurysms

The progress in surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms is based on the introduction of modern minimally invasive techniques. Among the variety of keyhole approaches, supraorbital craniotomy is most often used in surgical treatment of anterior circle of willis aneurysms. The authors present the preliminary results of application of supraorbital keyhole craniotomy for anterior circle of willis aneurysms in 27 patients. Most of the patients had unruptured aneurysms (18 patients). Nine patients had SAH, and 4 of them were operated on in the acute period. The patients' condition was assessed as a grade 1-2 (Hunt-Hess scale) and grade 1-3 (Fisher scale). There were no intraoperative aneurysm ruptures, other serious complications, and deaths. Postoperative complications were assessed at 2 weeks and 6 months. The postoperative cosmetic outcome was assessed by patients as excellent.

The Supraorbital Keyhole Approach.

The major aim of the present anatomical study was to demonstrate the anatomical structures that can be visualized using the supraorbital keyhole approach, both endoscopically and microscopically, from an eyebrow incision to intracranial structures. Furthermore, it defines an optimal craniotomy for surgery. Fine dissection was performed on each side of 5 formalin-fixed adult cadavers according to the surgical procedures of the supraorbital keyhole approach, and each step was documented both endoscopically and microscopically. Furthermore, the distance between the superior temporal line and the supraorbital notch/foramen was measured from the 10 total sides of the 5 cadavers and from the 118 sides of the 59 autopsies. Tumors and aneurysms of the anterior cranial fossa can be visualized during the supraorbital keyhole approach. The average distance between the superior temporal line and the supraorbital notch/foramen was measured. The distance obtained from the autopsies on the 25 females was 31.56 ± 4.03 mm on the right side and 31.04 ± 5.40 mm on the left side. The average distance obtained from the autopsies on the 34 males was 34.00 ± 4.59 mm on the right side and 33.59 ± 5.41 mm on the left side. There was no statistically significant difference between right and left in the female and male autopsies or between sexes. This anatomical study showed that structures in the anterior and middle cranial fossa can be reached via the supraorbital keyhole craniotomy approach with minimal brain retraction and adequate exposure and with minimal craniotomy size.