Microvascular decompression for glossopharyngeal neuralgia through the transcondylar fossa (supracondylar transjugular tubercle) approach.
OBJECTIVE
Our surgical results were reviewed to clarify the cause of glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) and the effects of the microvascular decompression (MVD) procedure.


METHODS
Fourteen cases of idiopathic GPN were operated on through the transcondylar fossa (supracondylar transjugular tubercle) approach. Their clinical data and operative records were retrospectively reviewed.


RESULTS
In every case, vascular compression on the glossopharyngeal nerve was found and MVD was performed without any major complications. In 13 of the 14 cases the neuralgia completely disappeared postoperatively. Recurrence of pain was found in 1 case. Offending vessels were the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in 10 cases, the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) in 2 cases, and both arteries in 2 cases. In 10 of the 14 cases, the high-origin PICA formed an upward loop between the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, compressing the glossopharyngeal nerve upward. In those cases, the PICA was transposed and fixed to the dura mater by the stitched sling retraction technique, and MVD was very effective.


CONCLUSIONS
The offending artery was the PICA in most cases. MVD is expected to be very effective, especially when the radiological images show the following 3 findings: 1) high-origin PICA, 2) the PICA making an upward loop, and 3) the PICA coursing the supraolivary fossette. The transcondylar fossa approach is suitable for transposing the PICA by the stitched sling retraction technique, and provides sufficient surgical results.
Kawashima
Masatou
M
Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan. MasatouAzu@aol.com
Matsushima
Toshio
T
Inoue
Tooru
T
Mineta
Toshihiro
T
Masuoka
Jun
J
Hirakawa
Naomi
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005930:Glossopharyngeal Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D020435:Glossopharyngeal Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods