Korean J Cerebrovasc Dis.  2000 Mar;2(1):38-42.

Bvaluation of the Eyebrow Approach for Cerebral Aneurysm Surgery

• Cho KG
• Ahn YM

Abstract

Although the pterional approach is the standard surgical procedure for cerebral aneurysms, an eyebrow approach has been recently explored as minimal microneurosurgery with a small cranial opening along the eyebrow. To evaluate the efficacy and limitation of the eyebrow approach, the authors randomly selected patients to undergo surgery via pterional approach (n=32) and via eyebrow approach (n=38) within a period of 12 months. There was no significant difference in age distribution between patients with eyebrow approach and those with pterional approach (p<0.01). Also preoperative clinical Hunt & Hess grades and CT Fisher grades were not significantly different in both groups (p<0.01). On average, it took 70 minutes less to open and close the bone flap using the eyebrow approach than with the pterional approach. The success of the procedure was graded as good, fair, poor, or death. Favorable outcome rate consisting of good and fair was 90% for eyebrow approach and 82% for pterional approach. Mortality rate was 2.6% for eyebrow approach and 3.1% for pterional approach. The clinical evaluation showed no significant differences between the groups (p<0.01). The eyebrow approach for cerebral aneurysm is a simple and timesaving procedure with good cosmetic results. Also it gives good sucess rate with minimal brain retraction. Therefore, this approach can be alternative procedure for cerebral aneurysms. It may also be more useful for patients with poor general condition and old age.

Keyword

Eyebrow approach; Pterional approach; Cerebral aneurysm

MeSH Terms

Age Distribution
Brain
Eyebrows*
Humans
Intracranial Aneurysm*
Mortality