Microvascular decompression for primary trigeminai neuralgia

Objective To evaluate the effect and safety of microvascular decompression (MVD) in the management of primary trigeminal neuralgia(TN). Methods The clinical data of 25 patients with unilateral primary TN by microvascular decompression were analyzed retrospectively. The operation was accessed through retrosigmoidal approach and the nerve root was separated away from pressure vessels by Teflon. Results Trigeminal nerves were pressed by blood vessels in 24 cases including superior cerebellar artery in 18, basilar artery in 1, anterior inferior cerebellar artery in 3, petrosal vein in 1, superior cerebellar artery and petrosal vein in 1 and no artery or vein in 1. Conclusion The proposed surgical strategy of standard MVD was a good strategy option for TN, but it was important for surgeons to pay attention to the risks of the surgery.