Trans-supraorbital approach to supratentorial aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: The trans-supraorbital approach has the advantage of combing the keyhole principle with cranial base surgery. The anatomic fields that can be visualized with the use of this procedure have been demonstrated in cadavers, and the advantages and potential surgical applications of this procedure are described in this report. This article is the first to describe a group of intracranial supratentorial aneurysms. METHODS: We used the trans-supraorbital approach in 22 case of supratentorial aneurysms. In this technique, an incision is made through the eyebrow, then a 3.5-cm craniotomy is performed with en bloc extension to the orbital arch, complemented by different drilling extensions of the orbital roof according to the surgical objective. We describe the anatomic details of the experimental work as well as the clinical results. RESULTS: The trans-supraorbital technique offers an unlimited wide exposure of neurovascular structures in this microsurgical corridor. The craniotomy extension allows greater exposure than the conventional keyhole supraorbital approach, which makes the technique safe for the patient and comfortable for the surgeon. All patient outcomes were successful; no serious complications from the surgical technique occurred. Our success was achieved through better microscopic illumination in the deep field and by gaining access to the complete supratentorial vascular territory with minimal cerebral retraction and an acceptable cosmetic result. CONCLUSION: The trans-supraorbital approach is effective for gaining access to and treating supratentorial aneurysms. Also, the microsurgical field is more convenient in microscope-assisted surgery because total reliance on the endoscope is not required, and minimal brain retraction is needed. This modification of the keyhole procedure also provides multiple surgical options in this microsurgical corridor, using the principles of minimal invasiveness in cranial base surgery.