[Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with radiofrequency thermocoagulation: report of 890 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To study the modified method of radiofrequency thermocoagulation for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.


METHODS
The sensory root of semilunar ganglion of trigeminal nerve in the foramen ovale was punctured by needle, which connected with electrode of radiofrequency thermocoagulation instrument. First, the right position was located by rectangle wave stimulation; second, the temperature was up to 88 degrees centigrade quickly, 2 to 3 sections of the sensory root were coagulated but it is not necessary to overstress the preservation of the tactile sensation of the face.


RESULTS
Of 890 patients, the efficacy rate was 98.2%, the ineffective rate was 0.49%, the recurrence rate was 10.67% with a follow-up period of 1-10 years. Pains can be controlled by radiofrequency thermocoagulation for patients with recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiofrequency thermocoagulation was a safe, simple and effective method. It is important that precise location and strict manipulation could avoid severe complications. Quick heating could relieve patients' pain and thermocoagulation of multi sections could decrease recurrence.
Department of Dentistry, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Nanhua University, Hunan, Hengyang 421001, China.
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