Percutaneous controlled thermocoagulation in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

Clin J Pain. 1990 Jun;6(2):96-104. doi: 10.1097/00002508-199006000-00004.

Abstract

This study reviews the results and complications of 162 percutaneous thermocoagulations of the gasserian ganglion in 124 patients with typical idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. The mean duration of follow-up observation was 3.7 years (range, 1-6 years). One hundred eighteen of 124 patients continued to show complete pain relief 1 month after the operation, and at the end of follow-up observation, 83 of 124 patients (67%) continued to enjoy complete pain relief (recurrence rate, 28.2%). Anesthesia dolorosa occurred in 3% of cases, dysesthesia in 3%, and paresthesia in 17%; neuroparalytic keratitis with permanent reduction of visual acuity was observed in 2% of cases, permanent diplopia in 1%, permanent hearing deficit in 3%, and permanent impairment of mastication in 3%. We compare thermocoagulation with other surgical procedures (microvascular decompression, glycerol injection, and percutaneous decompression) used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Denervation
  • Electrocoagulation* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Glycerol
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microcirculation / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / therapy*

Substances

  • Glycerol