Percutaneous radio-frequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion guided by high-speed real-time CT fluoroscopy.
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.
Koizuka
Shiro
S
Department of Anesthesiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan. skoizuka@med.gunma-u.ac.jp
Saito
Shigeru
S
Sekimoto
Kenichi
K
Tobe
Masaru
M
Obata
Hideaki
H
Koyama
Yoshinori
Y
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*