Dolenc approach

The resulting bone flap is centered over the depression of the sphenoid ridge. Approximately 33% of the craniotomy is anterior to the anterior margin of temporalis muscle insertion, ≈ 66% is posterior.

With the craniotome, starting at the frontal burr hole the craniotomy is taken anteriorly across the anterior margin of the superior temporal line, staying as low as possible on the orbit (to obviate having to rongeur bone, which is unsightly on the forehead). The distance “B” from the medial extent of the craniotomy to the frontal burr hole is 3 cm for anterior circulation aneurysms. For the approaches to skull base (e.g. Dolenc approach), distance “B” is larger and takes the opening to ≈ the mid orbit. Then from point “B,” a sharp superior turn is made and the opening is taken back to point “A.” The height (“H”) of the craniotomy needs to be only ≈ 3 cm for aneurysms of the Circle of Willis, and slightly larger (≈ 5 cm) for the middle cerebral artery aneurysms. Minimal exposure of the temporal cortex is necessary for aneurysms of the skull base region. For large flaps (e.g. for tumors), “H” is made larger to expose more temporal lobe.