Microvascular Decompression and Dorsal Root Entry Zone Rhizotomy for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Choi, Byoung Rak; Lee, Hai Ong; Koh, Eun Jeong; Choi, Ha Young

Original article

Journal of the Korean Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery 2009;5(2):97-101.
Published online September 30, 2009.

Microvascular Decompression and Dorsal Root Entry Zone Rhizotomy for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Byoung Rak Choi, Hai Ong Lee, Eun Jeong Koh, Ha Young Choi

Department of Neurosurgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju Korea

Abstract

Objective
The microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is known as an effective surgical technique. This study is to analyze the effect of MVD through our operative techniques, offending vessels in operative field, failed cases. The microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is known as an effective surgical technique. This study is to analyze the effect of MVD through our operative techniques, offending vessels in operative field, failed cases.
Methods
Total 64 patients with TN were treated by MVD from 1997 to 2009. We evaluated characters of pain, offending vessels in operative findings and operative results. The follow-up period was from 6 months to 3 years.
Results
In TN, the most common offending vessel was superior cerebellar artery (46.9%). In compression group of nerve root by offending vessel, the cure rate was 100%. However, the cure rate of the contact group was 90%. The surgical outcomes were as follows: pain free, 95.3% (61 cases); moderate relief, 4.7% (3 cases). In 12 cases with MVD only, the cure rate was 75% and in 52 cases with Dorsal root entry zone rhizotomy (DREZotomy) with MVD, 100%.
Conclusion
We result that MVD and DREZotomy provided a high rate of success with a minor risk of complications, which has been regarded as the most safe and satisfactory procedure for trigeminal neuralgia.

Key Words: Trigeminal neuralgia, Microvascular decompression, Dorsal root entry zone rhizotomy.