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Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms
Published on: August 11, 2015
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The Pterional Keyhole Craniotomy Approach: A Historical Perspective
Vera Ong1, Nolan J Brown2, Zach Pennington3
1John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
World Neurosurgery
|July 10, 2023
Summary
The pterional keyhole craniotomy (PKC) offers comparable surgical access to traditional pterional craniotomy but with reduced morbidity. This minimally invasive approach leads to shorter hospital stays and better cosmetic results.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Background:
- The pterional craniotomy is a standard neurosurgical approach for accessing the anterior and middle cranial fossae.
- Increasing trend towards minimally invasive techniques in elective cranial procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the historical development of the pterional keyhole craniotomy (PKC).
- To highlight the benefits and current role of PKC in neurosurgery.
Main Methods:
- Historical vignette tracing the evolution of the pterional keyhole craniotomy.
- Review of literature and surgical practice trends.
Main Results:
- The PKC provides similar exposure to traditional pterional craniotomy for various pathologies.
- PKC is associated with reduced surgical morbidity, shorter hospitalizations, and decreased operative times.
- PKC offers superior cosmetic outcomes compared to standard craniotomy.
Conclusions:
- The pterional keyhole craniotomy represents a significant advancement in minimally invasive cranial surgery.
- PKC is becoming an integral part of the neurosurgeon's armamentarium for elective procedures.
