gms | German Medical Science

59th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Neurosurgery (DGNC)
3rd Joint Meeting with the Italian Neurosurgical Society (SINch)

German Society of Neurosurgery (DGNC)

1 - 4 June 2008, Würzburg

Craniotomies with no burr-holes using the Anspach Control Depth Attachment® drill

Meeting Abstract

  • corresponding author F. DiMeco - Department of Neurological Surgery, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico C.Besta, Milan, Italy
  • C. Casali - Department of Neurological Surgery, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico C.Besta, Milan, Italy
  • F. Legnani - Department of Neurological Surgery, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico C.Besta, Milan, Italy
  • C. L. Solero - Department of Neurological Surgery, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico C.Besta, Milan, Italy

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie. Società Italiana di Neurochirurgia. 59. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie e.V. (DGNC), 3. Joint Meeting mit der Italienischen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie (SINch). Würzburg, 01.-04.06.2008. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2008. DocDI.09.01

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/dgnc2008/08dgnc204.shtml

Published: May 30, 2008

© 2008 DiMeco et al.
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Outline

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Objective: The object of this study is to describe a new method for performing supra- and infratentorial craniotomies which obviates the need for burr holes, improves bony reconstruction, and reduces post-operative cosmetic deformities. Moreover, this technique provides excellent exposure of skull base structures and dural venous sinuses.

Methods: Craniotomies in varied locations are created with the use of the Anspach Control Depth Attachment drill and chisel. No burr holes are used.

Results: We have performed over 500 craniotomies of any size and shape in all supratentorial and infratentorial locations. We have never experienced any major complications such as brain damage. The rate of dural laceration was 0.7 and not higher when compared to standard technique. Our method creates better cosmetic results than standard techniques and is safer for craniotomies spanning dural venous sinuses. Operating time was significantly reduced and reconstruction with plates and screws was not needed.

Conclusions: We have developed a new technique for performing craniotomies without burr holes which is extremely versatile and compares favorably to standard techniques such as the use of craniotome in terms of safety, cosmetic results, and cost.