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Temporal retrogasserian resection of trigeminal root versus controlled elective percutaneous electrocoagulation of the ganglion of gasser in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

Report on a series of 531 cases

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Summary

In his experience with 531 surgical procedures for the relief of trigeminal neuralgia between 1955 to 1970, the author developed a strong preference for the percutaneous electro-coagulation of the gasserian ganglion. Although the method was repeatedly modified in the early years, a standardized technique of controlled, selective and fractional coagulation in the semiawake state of neurolept-anaesthesia was used since 1963 in 183 of his 311 patients, treated in this manner. The advantages of the method, particularly in comparison to open intracranial root sections, are: Minimal operative risk, control of operative effect during the operation, small sensibility deficit, low rate of complications, short hospitalization, short convalescence and satisfactory final result in 93% of the patients (after a second or third coagulation, if needed) in a three-year follow-up period.

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  1. K. Schürmann

    Present address: Neurochirurgische Universitäts-Klinik, Langenbeckstraße 1, D-65 Mainz, Germany

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  1. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany

    K. Schürmann, M. Butz & M. Brock

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Schürmann, K., Butz, M. & Brock, M. Temporal retrogasserian resection of trigeminal root versus controlled elective percutaneous electrocoagulation of the ganglion of gasser in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Acta neurochir 26, 33–53 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01413531

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