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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms
Published on: August 11, 2015
The supraorbital approach--a minimally invasive approach to the superior orbit
1Neurosurgery, Wedau Kliniken, Duisburg, Germany.
Background:
We present a minimally invasive approach to the superior orbit via an eyebrow incision with a small osteotomy, minimal orbital rim resection and small frontal craniotomy.
Methods:
This approach was used in 20 patients with a well-defined intra-and extraconal lesion superior to the optic nerve, who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2007.
Results:
This approach is purely extradural with minimal brain and orbital retraction. The size of the lesion was not a limiting factor. Sensory deficits in the territory of the supraorbital nerve resolved within 7 months on average.
Conclusion:
This approach presents a combination of an extra-and transcranial approach, which is indicated in all orbital lesions superior to the optic nerve. The clinical and cosmetic results are excellent.
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