[Evolution of surgical approaches to the anterior and middle cranial fossa: from extended craniotomy to the supraorbital keyhole approach]

At early history of neurosurgery, the use of extended craniotomy was dictated by poor illumination, inadequate visualization, and the lack of accurate diagnosis. The technological progress development and the emergence of highly informative neuroimaging, microscopy, and neuroendoscopy minimized neurosurgical approaches and, accordingly, approach-associated complications. At present, the fundamental philosophy of minimally invasive surgery is of particular topicality because this surgery contributes to rapid recovery of patients and reduces the period of hospital treatment. The aim of the article is to provide a brief historical overview of the evolution of surgical approaches to the skull base, ranging from extended craniotomy to minimally invasive interventions.

[New surgical treatment for vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm at the boundary between the V2 and V3 segments]

The clinical case of a patient with a pseudoaneurysm of the left vertebral artery at the boundary between V(2) and V(3) segments after a stab wound to the neck is reported. The patient underwent a rare variant of surgical reconstruction of the vertebral artery, including resection of the vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm at the boundary between the V(2) and V(3) segments, the vertebrovertebral autovenous shunting (from the C(IV) vertebra to the C(I)-C(II) vertebrae with resection of the anterior wall of the vertebral artery canal). Postoperatively, SCT angiography revealed satisfactory blood flow in the shunt and improvement of the neurological status. The article provides a literature review on surgical procedures at the distal portion of the vertebral artery. The surgical technique was illustrated (intraoperative photos), demonstrating that the vertebral artery can be easily mobilized at any part of the V(2) segment with minimum damage to the adjacent tissues.