Background. Brain aneurysms are found in 1—2% of population and cause subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in 80—85% of cases. In recent decades, the incidence of unruptured aneurysms has increased due to widespread availability of CT and MRI. Microsurgery is still essential in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive approaches in microsurgical treatment of brain aneurysms in comparison with traditional approaches, to clarify the indications and contraindications for minimally invasive approaches.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 394 patients with cerebral aneurysms for the period 2014—2019. All patients were divided into 2 groups depending on surgical approach: traditional approach (TrA) (n=171, 43.4%) and minimally invasive approach (MiniAp) (n=223, 56.6%). In the TrA group, pterional (n=85), orbitozygomatic (n=23) and lateral supraorbital approaches (n=63) were used. In the MiniAp group, transbrow supraorbital (n=88), mini-pterional (n=62), transbrow transorbital (n=37) and transpalpebral transorbital approaches (n=36) were used. Treatment outcomes were compared in both groups for patients with ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. We evaluated intra- and postoperative complications, surgery time and postoperative hospital-stay. Neurological outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRs). Cosmetic outcomes were compared using the visual analogue cosmetic scale. Unilateral hypesthesia and eyebrow movement were assessed separately after 3, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

In acute period of SAH, surgery time was significantly less in the MiniAp group (p=0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in the incidence of intraoperative rupture, surgical and neurological complications (p>0.05). Postoperative hospital-stay was significantly less in the MiniAp group (p=0.006). In this group, neurological outcomes were slightly better (p<0.001), there was no mortality, adverse outcomes occurred in 5.3% of cases (n=5). In the TrA group, 1 patient died from postoperative hematoma, adverse outcomes were noted in 9 (8.7%) patients. Cosmetic outcomes were significantly better in the MiniAp group (p<0.001). In delayed period of SAH and unruptured aneurysms, surgery time was less in the MiniAp group (p=0.051). Incidence of intra- and postoperative complications was similar in both groups (p>0.05). Hospital-stay was significantly shorter in the MiniAp group (p<0.001). Functional outcomes were comparable in both groups. Cosmetic outcomes were significantly better in the MiniAp group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

MiniAp and TrA are characterized by similar efficacy in microsurgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms. MiniAp is recommended only for experienced neurosurgeons in a specialized hospital. Safety and effectiveness of MiniAp are achieved by careful selection of patients, individual neuroimaging and preoperative planning.