Avoiding abducens nerve palsy during the percutaneous balloon compression procedure.
OBJECTIVE
The main purpose of this study is to underline the factors which are likely to increase the risk of a sixth nerve injury after percutaneous balloon compression of the gasserian ganglion.


METHODS
Medical records and intraoperative radiological images of 79 consecutive patients, who underwent percutaneous balloon compression for treating drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia, were analyzed.


RESULTS
Post-operatively, transient palsy of the sixth nerve developed in 2 patients. According to their intraoperative radiographs, the side effect resulted from irregular balloon shape and inflation of the balloon towards the sellar floor.


CONCLUSIONS
The anatomic position and the shape of the inflated balloon represent key factors in determining the procedure's benefit or risk of complications.
Kefalopoulou
Zinovia
Z
Functional Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School of Patras, Patras, Greece.
Markaki
Elli
E
Constantoyannis
Constantine
C
D020434:Abducens Nerve Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008499:Medical Records; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*