Article
Minimal invasive supra-orbital incision for cerebral aneurysm clipping: results over a 5-year period
Search Medline for
Authors
Published: | May 20, 2009 |
---|
Outline
Text
Objective: Supra-orbital incision offers a minimal invasive surgical approach for cerebral aneurysm surgery and clipping. Since 2004, we introduced this technique for all pts presenting for elective cerebral aneurysm surgery and treated by the same neurosurgeon. In this paper, we want to present a retrospective analysis of this 5-years experience.
Methods: Over this 5-year period, 98 pts scheduled for elective cerebral aneurysm surgery underwent craniotomy by supra-orbital incision performed by the same neurosurgeon. In 65 pts, the aneurysm was located on the medial cerebral artery; in 11 pts it was located on the internal carotid artery, whereas in the other 22 pts the anterior communicating artery was involved. 9 pts presented with multiple aneurysms, in 8 pts multiple aneurysms were clipped in one surgical procedure.
Results: In 95 of 98 pts, the cerebral aneurysm was successfully clipped and perioperative course was uneventful. In 2 pts, it seemed impossible to clip the aneurysm due to anatomical characteristics. One pt was treated by endovascular approach; in the other pt a second surgical approach (by supra-orbital incision) did result in successful clipping of the aneurysm thanks to the use of a differently positioned temporary clip. In 1 pt, intra-operative bleeding occurred during surgical manipulation of the aneurysm, with ensuing brain bulging and a large craniotomy had to be performed.
We noted a significantly shorter mean surgical procedure time compared to standard procedure times for cerebral aneurysm clipping before 2004 (m195min vs. m329min). Probably due to this shortened mean surgical time, we observed a significantly shorter time to awakening (m135min vs. m285min after ICU admission). 92 of 98 pts were discharged from ICU within 36hrs of admission, and 32 pts were even discharged within the first 12hrs of ICU admission. Mean hospital stay was 6 days, with 5 pts leaving the hospital within 3 days after surgical intervention.
Conclusions: In conclusion, our data confirm all advantages of minimal invasive neurosurgical approach for cerebral aneurysm clipping. The less invasive approach guarantees as well optimal surgical conditions as significantly shortened procedure time and ICU - hospital stay.