Surgical Treatment of Mirror Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Bilateral and Unilateral Approach

Currently, the optimal surgical approach for bilateral aneurysms remains controversial. Alternative interventional methods, such as unilateral or bilateral approaches, have been used during a single session or 2 different sessions. The unilateral approach can be used successfully to treat contralateral aneurysms that develop in a paramedian location. However, such an approach is more difficult for treating contralateral aneurysms in more distant locations. The unilateral approach can decrease complication rates, operation time, and length of hospital stay. In this study, we aimed to identify when the unilateral approach should be chosen in patients with bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms and to compare the effect of each approach on the operation time and duration of hospital stay.

Between March 2003 and May 2016, 17 bilateral MCA aneurysms were diagnosed in patients who presented to our clinic with complaints of headache and a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The extent of the cerebral edema, A1 + M1 distance on the opposite site, and configuration of the contralateral aneurysm were determined by preoperative radiologic studies. Based on these findings, 7 patients underwent unilateral surgery, and 10 patients received the bilateral approach.

The 2 groups had a very similar postoperative course. Nonetheless, the operation time and hospital stay were significantly longer for patients who underwent bilateral surgery than those treated with the unilateral approach.

In selected patients with bilateral MCA aneurysms, the unilateral approach is a favorable alternative that is less invasive, decreases the operation time and hospital stay, and leads to fewer complications.