Neuronavigation-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the trigeminal ganglion in treatment for trigeminal neuralgia

Objective To explore the clinic value of neuronavigation-guided percutaneous radiofre- quency thermocoagulation for the trigeminal ganglion( NG-PRTTG) in treatment of trigeminal neuralgia( TN). Methods NG-PRTTG was performed with trigeminal neuralgia. All patients underwent the thin- slice and continues head CT scans preoperatively,the CT data were transported into the Stealth-Station Tria Plus neuronavigation system,then three-dimensional reconstructed. The oval foramen as a target was punctured assisted by neuronavigation-guided and electrophysiology in order to accurately locate target, then radiofrequency thermocoagulation were performed on the patients. Results The needles located in oval foramen at successfully puncture,the facial pain alleviated or totally relieved immediately after operation. The preoperative Visual Analogue Scale( VAS) was 9. 67 ± 0. 47,and the postoperative VAS was 0. 22 ±0. 57. There were no serious complication in all patients. Conclusion The NG-PRTTG is a minimally invasive,safety and efficacy surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia.