title: Percutaneous radio-frequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion guided by high-speed real-time CT fluoroscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although Gasserian ganglion block is an established treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, the foramen ovale cannot always be clearly visualized by classical X-ray radiography. We present a new method for percutaneous radio-frequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion, in which computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy is used to guide needle placement.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present study, 15 patients with trigeminal neuralgia underwent percutaneous radio-frequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion guided by high-speed real-time CT fluoroscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Trigeminal neuralgia was improved in all patients after treatment without any severe complications. Moderate dysesthesia occurred in only one case.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CT fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous radio-frequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion was safe, quick, and effective for patients with intractable idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan. skoizuka@med.gunma-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Shiro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Koizuka
authors.forename: Shigeru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sekimoto
authors.forename: Masaru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tobe
authors.forename: Hideaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Obata
authors.forename: Yoshinori
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Koyama
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003199:Computer Systems; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*