Surgical Technique for Prevention of Facial Paresis and Temporal Depression Following the Pterional Approach

Abstract

“Pterional” approach for aneurysmal surgery have been widely used since Yasargil's report¹⁾. Facial paresis or anterior temporal depression caused by this approach are well known as common complications from cosmetic point of view. We reported some techniques for prevention of facial paresis and temporal depression. We stressed following points: 1) Don't damage facial nerves (rami temporales or rami zygomatici) when incise the scalp or muscle. 2) Don't injure the temporal muscle too much. The temporal muscle must be attached to the bone flap. 3) The defect of the bone should be replaced by bone dust or resin.