[Trigeminal radiofrequency rhizotomy for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: results and technical modification]

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2003 Jun;61(2B):434-40. doi: 10.1590/s0004-282x2003000300020. Epub 2003 Jul 28.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy in treating 135 patients harboring trigeminal neuralgia, and to introduce a technical modification to guide the puncture of the foramen ovale. A hundred and one (74.8%) patients were treated with a single surgical procedure whereas the 34 (25.2%) remaining patients required two procedures. Follow-up ranges from 6 months to 15 years. Pain relief in the immediate postoperative was achieved in 131 (97.0%) patients. After the initial procedure, recurrence happened in 33 (24.5%) patients. The complications included decrease corneal reflex (4.4%), masseter paresis (2.2%), painful dysesthesia (1.5%) and anesthesia dolorosa (0.7%). The radiofrequency trigeminal rizhotomy is a low risk, highly effective and minimally invasive procedure. The use of the computerized tomography guided fluoroscopy turns foramen ovale's puncture easier, fast and precise.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Electrocoagulation / methods*
  • Female
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rhizotomy / adverse effects
  • Rhizotomy / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / diagnostic imaging
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / surgery*