Vascular compression syndromes: our 24 year endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression experiences

Abstract

This study aims to report our experience on endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression experiences performed due to vascular compression syndromes such as hemifacial spasm, trigeminal neuralgia, and cochleovestibular nerve compression. Between March 1999 and June 2013, 55 patients (34 females, 21 males; mean age 44 years; range 24 to 77 years) underwent endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression surgery through a retrosigmoid approach due to vascular compression syndromes in our clinic. The diagnosis was based on history, neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging findings and audio-vestibular tests. A total of 49 patients (89.1%) had complete relief of the symptoms and two had (3.6%) a partial relief, while four had (7.3%) no relief of the symptoms. Only two patients had (3.6%) cerebrospinal fluid leakages as a perioperative complication. The major offending vessels were anterior and inferior cerebellar arteries in 14 patients. Four patients with essential hypertension became normotensive after decompression of the left medulla oblongata as well. Microvascular decompression surgery provides a significant relief of the symptoms in patients with vascular compression syndromes. An angled endoscope as an adjunct to microscope contributes to the diagnosis of the offending vessel in the root entry zone of the cranial nerve.