Long-term results of percutaneous gasserian ganglion lesions.
Percutaneous radiofrequency lesion of the Gasserian ganglion was performed between 1974 and 1984 in ninety-eight patients for the relief of trigeminal neuralgia. The average follow-up period was 4.5 years. Age, sex, and duration of illness were unrelated to outcome. Satisfactory analgesia was achieved in 68 patients. Thirty-one percent had return of pain (30 cases). Recurrent neuralgia occurred most frequently during first postoperative year (46%). Patients with marked sensory deficits had a reduced risk of recurrence. Postoperative complications included: reduced or absent corneal reflex (18 cases), corneal keratitis (3 cases) and anesthesia dolorosa (2 cases).
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011846:Radio Waves; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000601:surgery*; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000601:surgery*