Therapeutic effect of microvascular decompression on primary trigeminal neuralgia:a follow-up study

Abstract

Objective To study the clinical value of microvascular decompression(MVD)through the retrosigmoid approach in the treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia. Methods The clinical data of 769 patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia undergoing MVD through the retrosigmoid approach was retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the treatment. Results MVD was accomplished in 769 patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia.Neuralgia was totally relieved in 743 patients,significantly relieved in 17 patients and not relieved in 9 patients after the treatment.Operative mortality occurred in none ofthe cases.The patients were followed up for 6 to 180 months,during which period 46 patients were found to experience recurrent neuralgia,and 9 ofthem wgre cured after a second operation. Conclusion MVD is a safe and effective surgical approach causing minimal invasiveness and lower recurrence rate, and can serve as the primary option for treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia. Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia; Microvascular decompression; Follow-up