Retrogasserian glycerol injection: a retrospective study of 112 patients.
From 1984 to 1989, 112 patients with typical drug-refractory trigeminal neuralgia were treated by retrogasserian glycerol injection. The present study assesses results and complications after a mean follow-up period of 3.5 years (range 0.1-5.5 years). One hundred and three of 112 patients (91.9%) showed complete pain relief 1 month postoperatively, and at the end of follow-up 80 patients (71.4%) were still enjoying complete pain relief (recurrence rate 20.5%). Abnormal facial sensations were noted in 49 patients, the most common complication being mild hypoesthesia (32% of patients), while paresthesia occurred in 19% of cases and dysesthesia in 3%. The corneal reflex was absent in 3% of patients and reduced in 5%. None of the patients developed anesthesia dolorosa, permanent masseter weakness, neuroparalytic keratitis, or diplopia.
Ischia
S
S
Institute of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Verona School of Medicine, Ospedale Policlinico, Italy.
Luzzani
A
A
Polati
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D005724:Ganglia; D005990:Glycerol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000502:physiology*; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000628:therapy*
D005990:Glycerol