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DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1336240
Purely Endoscopic Vascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Clinical Outcomes and Technical Note
Background: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is an accepted and highly effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). The introduction of endoscopically assisted MVD (EAMVD) has shown overall benefits compared with the original procedure. Recently, purely endoscopic vascular decompression (EVD) has been described in the treatment of TGN; however, reports are limited on this procedure.
Objective: To describe the operative technique and clinical outcomes in a series of 57 patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated with EVD.
Material and Methods: Fifty-seven patients underwent EVD for trigeminal neuralgia at our institution from October 2005 to October 2010. Retrospective review was conducted to evaluate patient outcome, complication rate, length of stay, and operative time. Patient outcome was graded via the Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Score. Follow-up ranged from 12-72 months with a mean of 32 months. In addition, we describe our operative technique for EVD.
Results: All 57 patients achieved postoperative pain control or complete pain relief (BNI 1-3). At follow-up, 56 of 57 patients (98%) reported complete relief or well controlled pain (BNI 1-3). The complication rate was 4% with no mortalities. Mean length of hospital stay was 1.6 days with a range of 1-5 days, and mean operative time was 133 minutes.
Conclusion: EVD is a safe and highly effective alternative to the traditional open MVD or EAMVD.