Endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression in treating trigeminal neuralgia. Method Surgical experience and clinical data of 45 cases of trigeminal neuralgia treated by endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression were analyzed retrospectively.Results All the 45 cases were followed up in 3～49 months,39 of 45 cases were cured,4 cases were ineffectiveness,1 cases was effectivenss,1 was ineffective and no patient died.The anatomic structure in gapⅠin cerebellopontine angle (CPA) was seen clearly.Conclusion The endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression is good for observing anatomic structures which can not be seen under a common microscope during the keyhole-approach operation,and easy to indentify the vessels responsible for the neuralgia through the endoscope,is the effective method in treating trigeminal neuralgia.