[Endoscopic microvacular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the feasibility, operating technique and precautions of endoscopic microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis was conducted for 21 patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia. All underwent neuroendoscopic microvascular decompression for trigeminal nerves.


RESULTS
The pains disappeared upon awaking post-anesthesia in 19 patients. In 2 patients, pains became significantly alleviated and disappeared after taking carbamazepine for 1 - 3 months. No patient suffered the injuries of trigeminal nerve and other cranial nerves. None had cerebellum edema or death. During the follow-up period, there was no recurrence of pains.


CONCLUSIONS
Neuroendoscopic surgery may accomplish microvascular decompression for trigeminal nerve independently. As a minimally invasive and effective technique, it offers a clearer vision of local anatomy and decreases the probability of damaging nerves and vessels. There is no need for pulling cerebellum. It brings minimal damage to normal brain tissue compared with microsurgery. Further popularization is warranted.
Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China.
Hui
H
Huang
Zhi-Qiang
ZQ
Hu
Guang-Tong
GT
Zhu
Feng
F
Guan
Bin
B
Dai
Bei-Bei
BB
Mao
Shao-Heng
SH
Wang
Le-Ning
LN
Ren
Zhuang
Z
Kang
D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery; D061145:Microvascular Decompression Surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000601:surgery