Regrowth of residual ruptured aneurysms treated by Guglielmi's detachable coils which demanded further treatment by surgical clipping: Report of 7 cases and review of the literature

Object. The management of intracranial aneurysms has truly evolved after the introduction of endovascular treatment by Guglielmi Detachable Coils (GDC). In our department, for every case (ruptured or unruptured aneurysm) we discuss in the first place endovascular treatment. When coiling is feasible, it is done as a first choice. If not (intracranial compressive haematoma, coiling unfeasible or dangerous), the patient is operated upon. Failure of the endovascular technique, like incomplete treatment and regrowth of the residual sac, becomes a subject of discussion. Some cases need complementary treatment for large or unstable residual aneurysm. Methods. Thus, between 1997 and 2000, 59 ruptured aneurysms were treated using an endovascular method by means of GDC. In 15 of this cases complementary treatment was needed, due to the size or instability of the residual aneurysm. In 8 cases a new embolization was possible and in 7 cases a complementary surgical procedure was needed, due to the impossibility of further endovascular treatment. Results. Out of these 7 cases who were operated upon after coiling, clipping of the residual neck was possible in 4 cases; in 3 cases clipping was impossible due to the partial filling of the aneurysm neck by the coils. In these 3 cases, a ligation of the residual neck, associated with coagulation of the sac was performed. Discussion. The difficulty of the treatment of an residual aneurysm after coiling is discussed as well as those surgical techniques alternative to clipping (wrapping or coagulation of the residual sac).