Visual Outcomes after Surgery for Paraclinoid Aneurysms: A Fujita Experience

The surgical strategies for clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms are diverse. These aneurysms are unique in their location, as they closely abut the anterior clinoid process (ACP) and the optic nerve. The ultimate goal of clipping encompasses the exposure of neck of the aneurysm which is seldom complete without the manipulation of optic nerve and the ACP. This manipulation may result in disturbances of vision postoperatively. We analyze our results of visual outcomes in the surgery for paraclinoid aneurysms in this retrospective study.

All patients with paraclinoid aneurysms who underwent surgery from June 2014 to June 2019 were included in the study. Surgical procedure was uniform in all patients which included anterior clinoidectomy and clipping of aneurysms as per the Bantane protocol. Glasgow Outcome Scale as well as vision was assessed at discharge and at 1 month and 6 months.

There were 77 cases of paraclinoid aneurysms operated during the abovementioned period. All patients had no symptoms related to vision preoperatively. Visual deterioration was noted in two patients. All patients were discharged with a good outcome on the Glasgow Outcome Scale.

Paraclinoid aneurysm has a good outcome when treated with surgery. The visual deterioration following surgery can be minimized with extradural anterior clinoidectomy and careful handling of the vessels and nerve.