The Efficacy of Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Kim, Sung Hoon; Choi, Chang Hwa

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The microvascular decompression(MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia(TN) is known as an effective surgical technique. But the failed MVD cases have been reported in long term follow-up studies. This study is to evaluate the efficacy of MVD through our operative techniques, offending vessels in operative field, failed cases with the review of the literatures. METHODS: We analyzed total 63 cases of TN which underwent MVD from 1955 to 2003 according to characters of pain, operative findings, operative results related to causative vessel compression and operative method, progonotic factor. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test with SPSS Ver 11.0. RESULTS: In TN, the most common offending vessel was superior cerebellar artery(45.0%). In compression group of nerve root by offending vessel, the cure rate was 91.7%. However, the cure rate of the contact group was 64.7% and the cure rate of the negative group was 37.5%. There was no statistical significance between the degree of compression by vessel and the operative result(p=0.076). In 51 cases with MVD only, the cure rate was 84.3% and in 3 cases with PSR only, 42.8% and in 2 cases with PSR(partial sensory rhizotomy) with MVD, 50.0%. TN recurred in 7 cases within the follow-up period and reoperations(PSR) were added in 2 cases of them. CONCLUSION: This study shows that MVD provided a high rate of success with a minor risk of complications, which has been regarded as the most safe and effective procedure for trigeminal neuralgia. Additional MVD in recurred TN by severe adhesion of teflon showed poor outcome. But, revisional operation(PSR) in recurred TN showed relatively good outcome. PSR should be considered for treatment of recurrent TN after MVD.