The history of neurosurgery and its relation to the development and refinement of the frontotemporal craniotomy

Abstract

<jats:p>The history of neurosurgery is filled with descriptions of brave surgeons performing surgery against great odds in an attempt to improve outcomes in their patients. In the distant past, most neurosurgical procedures were limited to trephination, and this was sometimes performed for unclear reasons. Beginning in the Renaissance and accelerating through the middle and late 19th century, a greater understanding of cerebral localization, antisepsis, anesthesia, and hemostasis led to an era of great expansion in neurosurgical approaches and techniques. During this process, frontotemporal approaches were also developed and refined over time. Progress often depended on the technical advances of scientists coupled with the innovative ideas and courage of pioneering surgeons. A better understanding of this history provides insight into where we originated as a specialty and in what directions we may go in the future. This review considers the historical events enabling the development of neurosurgery as a specialty, and how this relates to the development of frontotemporal approaches.</jats:p>

Knowledge, Accuracy, Precision: Requirements for the Perioperative Neurosurgical Nurse

“…In the early 1900s, neurosurgery advanced as a result of improved methods for anesthesia, antisepsis, hemostasis, and cerebral localization. With these practices in place, surgeons could focus on developing increasingly complex techniques to improve the lives of neurosurgical patients …”

“…Brilliant illumination and magnification via the operative microscope and endoscope permitted improvement in the craniotomy procedures for various neurosurgical problems . Cerebral localization was improved as imaging modalities advanced, providing the ability to merge computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and use them in computer‐assisted navigation programs that provide precise trajectories to the target in the brain, minimizing the size of the craniotomy and potential harm to adjacent structures.…”

A supraorbital trans-eyebrow approach in surgery of chiasmatic-sellar and anterior cranial fossa tumors

“…Хирургия основания ПЧЯ и ХСО всегда считалась сложной областью нейрохирургии. Тесная связь патологических процессов ПЧЯ с крупными магистральными сосудами и черепными нервами требовала хорошей визуализации этой области за счет широких лобно-височных доступов [23][24][25][26][27]. В течение последних десятилетий разработано множество доступов к ПЧЯ, самыми популярными из которых являются птериональный, субфронтальный и супраорбитальный [28][29][30].…”

Neurosurgery in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary c. 1920–c. 1940: knowledge, skills and styles

“…The creation of pneumoencephalography and X-ray allowed for a gross localisation of space-occupying lesions. 38 Anaesthesia, aseptics and antiseptics were available, which permitted a relatively safe operation and a reduction in postoperative mortality. 39 Patient case studies, and descriptions and illustrations of surgical approaches were disseminated in research publications, providing surgeons wishing to operate on the nervous system with relevant upto-date information.…”