Mini-temporal approach as an alternative to the classical pterional approach for resective temporal region surgeries

Background:Classical pterional appoach for temporal surgeries may cause atrophy and dysfunction of temporalis,injury to the facial nerve,and unnecessary cortical exposure.As an alternative to the classical pterional approach for such surgeries,we hereby describe an mini-temporal approach which reduces these risks and proven to be practical in neurological surgeries.Material and methods:In the mini-temporal incision design,the frontal end of the incision never surpassed the hairline at the level of temporal line,and a one-layer skin-galea-muscle flap was detached from the cranium,effectively avoiding the injuries of facial nerve.The surgical bone window was completely located underneath the temporalis muscle,allowing it to be completely repositioned postoperatively.Results:We demonstrated the application of mini-temporal approach in a variety of temporal region tumors,which can be applied to complete successful resective surgeries while effectively reducing injuries to extra-temporal cortex,temporalis,and facial nerve.There were no postoperative complications related to extra-temporal cortical damage,atrophy of temporalis,or injury to the facial nerve.Conclusion:The mini-temporal approach can effectively shorten the time of craniotomy and closure,decrease the size of bony removal,increase the restoration of temporalis during closure,and lower the chance of facial nerve injury.Therefore,it improves cosmetic outcomes and reduces the risk of unintentional extra-temporal cortical injury,which fully embodies the minimally invasive principle in neurosurgery.

Comparison between modified lateral supraorbital approach and pterional approach in the surgical treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms

Background:The Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm is a common type of craniocerebral aneurysm that is prone to rupture and high mortality. The classic surgical approaches are the Pterional approach and the Lateral Supraorbital (LSO) approach, but there are shortcomings. Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed clinical and imaging data from 181 patients with MCA aneurysm clipping in the Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between 2011 and 2017. Statistical analysis using parametric and nonparametric tests showed that P values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The preoperative GCS score (P=0.003), Hunt-Hess scale (P < 0.001) and the operating habits of the surgeon (P < 0.001) affected the surgeon to choose a surgical approach. The choice of two surgical methods on the operation time (P < 0.001), skin incision (P < 0.001), complications (P=0.026), tracheotomy (P=0.014), prognosis (P=0.002) were significantly different. Different surgical approaches (P=0.002), Hunt-Hess scale (P <0.001), GCS scale (P < 0.001), GCS sorse (P < 0.001), skin incision (P=0.031) and complications (P < 0.001) are closely related to the prognosis of patients. Conclusions: Modified LSO approach provides another surgical approach for MCA aneurysm clipping, while avoiding the drawbacks of the LSO approach in the clipping of MCA distal aneurysm.

Comparative analysis on microsurgical removal of craniopharyngioma via lateral supraorbital approach and standard pterional approach

Background: Craniopharyngioma is a kind of intracranial benign tumor that is primarily treated with surgery. At present, a variety of surgical approaches are used for tumor resection. We have conducted a comparative analysis of the two approaches most used in our department. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 65 patients with craniopharyngioma surgically treated by the two approaches mentioned above. Among these patients, 24 were treated by lateral supraorbital (LSO) approach and 41 by standard pterional approach. Indicators including, but not limited to, length of incision, operation time, postoperative pituitary function, urine volume, visual function improvement, and hospitalization were used to compare these two groups of patients. Results: The data shows that there was no significant difference in total tumor resection rate (P=0.54), postoperative visual field improvement (P=0.68) and postoperative function of endocrine. However, the LSO approach significantly reduced the operative incision (P=0.001), shortened the operation time (P=0.001) and operative complexity, while reducing the incidence of postoperative complications (P=0.04). Conclusions: In surgical treatment of craniopharyngioma, LSO approach has similar surgical effect with standard pterional approach, but it can significantly shorten the operation time, reduce surgical trauma and the incidence of complications. Therefore, LSO provides another alternative to surgical approach for microsurgical removal of craniopharyngioma.

Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas: Transcranial Approaches Results and Complications

Objective: Tuberculum sellae meningiomas constitute about 5% - 10% of intracranial meningiomas. They are difficult to treat, owing to their close association with the optic nerves, chiasma, and major cerebral arteries. This retrospective study aims to report on the clinical outcome after transcranial approach for treatment of tuberculem sellae meningiomas at our hospital. Patients and Methods: We reviewed patients with tuberculem sellae meningiomas and underwent transcranial surgical approaches for their lesions at Sohag university hospitals over a 4 years period starting from January 2018. The patients’ clinical and radiological data, operative details, degrees of tumor removal, outcomes and complications were reported. Results: There were 17 patients with tuberculem sellae meningiomas with a mean age of 46.3 years. Female patients constituted 70% of cases. Pterional approach was used in 59% of cases and unilateral subfrontal approach was used in 41% of cases. Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 82% of cases. Visual acuity improved in 47%, remained unchanged in 41%, and worsened in 5.9% of patients. Transient post-operative diabetes inspidus and post-operative haematoma in tumor bed each occurred in 5.9% of patients. Conclusion: Transcranial removal of tuberculum sellae meningioma is still considered the standard approach, with high rate of gross total resection and better visual outcome and low mortality and morbidity.

Surgical management of clinoidal meningiomas: 10 cases analysis

Aim: The purpose of this article is to advocate standard skull base technique for removing the clinoidal meningioma and to delineate the technique's advantages that aid in achieving an improved extent of tumor resection and enhancing the patients' overall outcome, specially their visual outcome. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 10 consecutive patients with clinoidal meningiomas who underwent surgical resection at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and other private clinics between May 2013 and July 2016. A standard pterional craniotomy technique consisting of extradural anterior clinoidectomy, coupled with optic canal unroofing and optic nerve sheath opening was used in all patients. All patients had thorough preoperative and postoperative ophthalmological evaluations. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 42 months. Results: Total resection was achieved in 5 (50.0%) of the 10 patients in this series. The majority of the patients with preoperative visual impairment experienced significant visual improvement 7 of 10 patients;70.0%). Conclusion: In the majority of patients with clinoidal meningiomas, total resection may be achieved with minimal complications. For large tumors encasing the optic nerve and internal carotid artery, or for those tumors causing preoperative visual impairment, use of the cranial base technique delineated in this study may lead to significant improvement in the patients' visual and overall outcomes.