Esthetics outcomes in patients submitted to pterional craniotomy and its variants: A scoping review

A Prospective Comparison Between Soft Tissue Dissection Techniques in Pterional Craniotomy: Functional, Radiological, and Aesthetic Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Given the complex anatomy of the operative region and individual surgeon preferences, some techniques for soft tissue dissection before pterional craniotomy have gained more popularity than others. This prospective study used subjective and objective measurements to compare the functional, radiological, and aesthetic outcomes of 3 such dissection techniques.

METHODS

This multicenter prospective cohort study included all patients who underwent elective pterional craniotomy between 2018 and 2020 at 3 centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All patients underwent 1 of 3 soft tissue dissection techniques: myocutaneous flap, interfascial, and subfascial dissection techniques. Clinical and radiological assessments were performed upon discharge and at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

RESULTS

We included 78 patients, with a mean age of 44.9 ± 16.3 years. Myocutaneous flap, interfascial, and subfascial dissections were performed in 34 (43%), 24 (30%), and 20 patients (25%), respectively. The myocutaneous flap method had the shortest opening ( P = .001) and closure ( P = .005) times; tenderness was more evident in this group than in the others ( P = .05). The frontalis muscle was most affected in the interfascial dissection group ( P = .05). The frontalis nerve function was similar in all groups after 6 months ( P = .54). The incidence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction was highest in the myocutaneous flap group (29%). Decreased temporalis muscle thickness at the 6-month postoperative follow-up was most severe in the subfascial dissection group (12.6%), followed by the myocutaneous flap (11.9%) and interfascial dissection (9.9%) groups, with no significant difference ( P = .85). Temporal hollowing was more prominent in the myocutaneous flap group ( P = .03). Cosmetic satisfaction was highest in the interfascial dissection group, with no significant difference ( P = .4).

CONCLUSION

This study provides important information for neurosurgeons in weighing the benefits and risks of each technique for their patients.

Preoperative detailed evaluation intracranial artery stenosis using three-dimensional visualization analysis reduces the invasiveness of superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass

OBJECTIVES

Superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass surgery is a common treatment for preventing cerebral ischemia in patients with intracranial artery stenosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the surgical outcomes of the STA-MCA bypass procedure, particularly with regard to the invasiveness of targeted bypass (TB) with preoperative planning using Amira® software.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with single STA-MCA bypass performed by a single neurosurgeon from January 2019 to May 2022 were included. The clinical parameters of seven TB patients were compared with those of 11 patients treated with the conventional method (CM).

RESULTS

Compared with CM patients, TB using Amira® software patients had a shorter scalp incision (median [interquartile range]=11.2 [9.7-12.7] cm vs. 16.9 [16.0-17.7] cm, respectively; p=0.004], smaller craniotomy size (11.8 [11.5-14.4] cm2 vs. 20.9 [17.1-22.2] cm2, respectively; p=0.01], shorter surgery duration (201 [195-218] min vs. 277 [229-310] min, respectively; p=0.003], and less intraoperative bleeding (10 [10-20] g vs. 23 [20-50] g, respectively; p=0.033]. However, there were no differences in surgical complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed preoperative evaluation using Amira® software can reduce the invasiveness of the STA-MCA bypass procedure.

Supraorbital Keyhole Versus Pterional Approach: A Morphometric Anatomical Study

OBJECTIVE

Although the supraorbital (SO) keyhole approach has a wide range of indications, its routine usefulness with the advance of current technology has not been fully evaluated. In an attempt to address this issue, a cadaveric morphometric analysis to the supra- and parasellar regions was performed, comparing the standard Pterional craniotomy (PT) with the SO keyhole.

METHODS

ETOH-fixed and silicone-injected human cadaveric heads were used. SO (n = 8) and PT craniotomies (n = 8) were performed. Pre- and post-dissection CT, along with pre-dissection MRI scans were also completed for neuro-navigation purposes, aimed to verify predetermined anatomical landmarks selected for morphometric analysis.

RESULTS

Notwithstanding the smaller craniotomy, the SO approach allowed optimal anatomical exposure when compared to the PT approach. With 30° of head rotation, the SO keyhole showed a wider surgical field of the suprasellar region.

CONCLUSIONS

Using detailed preoperative image-guided surgical planning, the SO keyhole approach offered an appropriate alternative route to the supra- and parasellar regions, compared to the PT craniotomy.

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.

The Mini-Spheno-Supraorbital Craniotomy for Treatment of Ruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

Objective:Yasargil introduced the pterional approach mainly for clipping of anterior circulation (AC) aneurysms. We implemented the mini-spheno-supraorbital (MSS) craniotomy, changing the shape and reducing the size of the classical pterional craniotomy. The literature on clipping ruptured AC aneurysms through reduced-in-size craniotomies is sparse. This study aims to describe the technique and present our experience in clipping ruptured AC aneurysms through the MSS approach. Materials and methods: The MSS craniotomy was used in 114 cases of clipping ruptured AC aneurysms. A single burr hole was placed at the "keyhole" and an ellipsoid bone flap in the spheno-supraorbital region was raised. The tabula interna was thinned circumferentially, the roof of the orbit was flattened. Among aneurysm clipping, the lamina terminalis and the subarachnoid basal cisterns were opened. The imaging modality, the severity of the subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) according to Hunt & Hess (H&H), the size of the bone flap, the surgery duration and the aneurysm obliteration rate seen at the postoperative DSA were examined. Results:Out of all patients in the study, 71% had exclusively CT-angiogram as initial imaging and suffered low-grade (H&H I°) SAH (71%). The mean size of the bone flap was 1.6 x 4.5 cm (1.3 x 4.3 - 2 x 8.5 cm). The approach allowed adequate 360°-dissection, sufficient proximal and distal control, brain relaxation though laminoterminotomy and opening of the basal cisterns. The mean duration from skin incision to clip application was 130 minutes (64-236 mins). Total obliteration rate was 97.3%. Conclusion:The MSS craniotomy is feasible in terms of safety and speed for clipping of ruptured AC aneurysms especially in lower-grade SAH.

Temporal Hollowing Causes, Classifications, and Treatment Options: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Recent developments in surgical techniques and grading schemas to treat temporal hollowing necessitate critically assessing their efficacy. This systematic review presents the currently available protocols for temporal hollowing, aimed toward improving the clinical approach, for the benefit of the surgeon and patient.

METHODS

A search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar in September 2021 using the key words "temporal hollowing" and "temporal augmentation." Inclusion criteria were English written articles published in peer-reviewed journals that reported an outcome relating to the cause, classification, or procedure used to prevent or correct hollowing in humans.

RESULTS

Of the 413, 966 publications retrieved, 24 met the study inclusion criteria. Twenty-one publications discussed the etiology of temporal hollowing, 12 discussed a classification or grading system for temporal hollowing, and 19 discussed a procedure to prevent or correct temporal hollowing. The most commonly reported etiology for temporal hollowing was iatrogenic (63%). For classifying temporal hollowing severity, visual analogue scales (25%) were most commonly used. Mesh (26%) and autologous fat grafts (26%) were the most popular procedures used to prevent or correct temporal hollowing.

DISCUSSION

We presented the spectrum of temporal hollowing grading schemas and treatment modalities currently published in the field. The use, by a majority of publications, of a grading system based on the subjective judgement of the examiner (either alone or adjunct to imaging results) suggests the need for a more standardized measurement tool. Future studies should investigate a universally-applicable temporal hollowing classification system and its impact on treatment outcomes.

Surgical Management of Pre-Chiasmatic Intraorbital Optic Nerve Gliomas in Children after Loss of Visual Function—Resection from Bulbus to Chiasm

Optic pathway gliomas in children carry significant morbidity and therapeutic challenges. For the subgroup of pre-chiasmatic gliomas, intraorbital and intradural resection is a curative option after blindness. We present a two-center cohort using different surgical approaches. A retrospective analysis was performed, including 10 children. Mean age at surgery was 6.8 years. Interval between diagnosis and surgery was 1–74 (mean 24 ± 5.5, median 10) months. Indications for surgery were exophthalmos, pain, tumor progression, or a combination. Eight patients underwent an extradural trans-orbital-roof approach to resect the intra-orbital tumor, including the optic canal part plus intradural pre-chiasmatic resection. Gross total resection was achieved in 7/8, and none had a recurrence. One residual behind the bulbus showed progression, treated by chemotherapy. In two patients, a combined supra-orbital mini-craniotomy plus orbital frame osteotomy was used for intraorbital tumor resection + intradural pre-chiasmatic dissection. In these two patients, remnants of the optic nerve within the optic canal remained stable. No patient had a chiasmatic functional affection nor permanent oculomotor deficits. In selected patients, a surgical resection from bulb to chiasm ± removal of optic canal tumor was safe without long-term sequela and with an excellent cosmetic result. Surgery normalizes exophthalmos and provides an effective tumor control.

Suprafascial dissection for pterional craniotomy to preserve the frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve with less temporal hollowing

Background:

To protect the frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve (FTFN) when performing pterional craniotomy, several reports suggest the subfascial or interfascial dissection technique. However, the reports of postoperative frontalis paralysis and temporal hollowing, which are common complications, were relatively limited. This study reports the incidence of postoperative frontalis paralysis and temporal hollowing after pterional craniotomy using the suprafascial and interfascial techniques.

Methods:

Patients who underwent pterional craniotomy, using the suprafascial technique (leaving the muscle cuff and not leaving the muscle cuff) and the interfascial technique, between November 2015 and September 2018 were retrospectively evaluated for postoperative frontalis paralysis and temporal hollowing using Chi-squared/ Fisher exact test.

Results:

Seventy-two patients underwent pterional craniotomy, using the suprafascial technique in 54 patients (leaving the muscle cuff in 21 patients and not leaving the muscle cuff in 33 patients) and the interfascial technique in 18 patients. Eleven patients (20.4%) in the suprafascial group and 1 patient (5.6%) in the interfascial group developed transient frontalis paralysis (P = 0.272). No permanent frontalis paralysis was observed. Obvious temporal hollowing occurred in 18.2% of patients in the suprafascial group without the muscle cuff, in 64.3% of patients in the suprafascial group with the muscle cuff, and in 72.7% of patients in the interfascial group (P = 0.003).

Conclusion:

The suprafascial dissection technique does not cause permanent injury of the FTFN, and this approach results in a significantly lower incidence of postoperative temporal hollowing than interfascial dissection, especially without leaving a temporalis muscle cuff.