Core Techniques in Operative Neurosurgery

Pterional Craniotomy for Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Clipping

Indications Absolute Subarachnoid hemorrhage with intraparenchymal hemorrhage requiring emergent evacuation Subarachnoid hemorrhage with anterior communicating artery (Acomm) aneurysm not repairable using endovascular techniques Strong Aneurysm presenting with symptoms referable to mass effect Unruptured aneurysm (≥ 7 mm) in a patient…

Retrolabyrinthine Approach

Indications The retrolabyrinthine approach is a hearing-preserving presigmoid approach that uses a mastoidectomy and skeletonization of the sigmoid sinus to expose the presigmoid dura behind the semicircular canals. The principal appeal of this approach is its ability to expose widely…

Far-Lateral Suboccipital Approach

Indications The suboccipital approach with C1 laminectomy provides adequate visualization of approximately 270 degrees of the circumference around the medulla. This approach does not provide safe access to the 90 degrees anterior to the medulla, however, because the visual angle…

Frontotemporal Craniotomy with Orbitozygomatic Osteotomy

Indications Frontotemporal craniotomy with orbitozygomatic osteotomy is an adjunct to pterional craniotomy that allows greater rostral trajectory to midline structures. By removing the superior and lateral bony orbit, one gains a more anterior and inferior starting point for the approach…

Supraorbital (Keyhole) Craniotomy With Optional Orbital Osteotomy

Indications Supraorbital craniotomy allows for relatively easy and rapid access to structures in the anterior, middle cranial fossa and sellar and parasellar regions. This minimally invasive technique provides a subfrontal approach with minimal disruption of normal anatomy, excellent cosmetic results,…

Parasagittal Approach

Indications Parasagittal approaches are used to treat lesions located near the falx, interhemispheric fissure, or corpus callosum. These lesions often include parasagittal and falcine meningiomas, intraaxial tumors, cavernomas, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The parasagittal approach is also the first step…

Trauma Flap: Decompressive Hemicraniectomy

Indications Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is one of the most common causes of death and disability following severe traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke. There have been no new medical treatments for elevated ICP in more than 90 years. A…