The Supraorbital Subfrontal Approach through an Eyebrow Skin Incision for Treatment of Anterior Cranial Fossa and Suprasellar Pathologies

• Main Authors: Bonicki, Wieslaw, Krajewski, Romuald, Kunicki, Jacek, Michalik, Radoslaw, Ozieblo, Artur, Kukwa, Andrzej
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1531-5010; 1532-0065
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-984279

We report our experience with a supraorbital eyebrow minicraniotomy. This technique is suitable for lesions situated in the region of the anterior fossa, suprasellar cisterns, parasellar region, and sylvian fissure. We have been using the supraorbital keyhole craniotomy since 1998 and have approached eight various lesions within the anterior cranial fossa and suprasellar space. Of the eight patients, six were treated for cranial base meningiomas, one for craniopharyngioma, and one for chiasmatic glioma. The approach has not been used for vascular pathologies. Except for the case of chiasmatic glioma, the total removal of the lesion was achieved in all cases and has been confirmed with mean 2.5-year follow-up MRI controls. The supraorbital craniotomy offers equal surgical possibilities with less approach-related morbidity owing to limited exposure of the cerebral surface and minimal brain retraction. In addition, the short skin incision within the eyebrow and careful soft-tissue dissection result in a pleasing cosmetic outcome.