MICROVASCULAR DECOMPRESSION FOR HEMIFACIAL SPASM - TECHNICAL NOTES AND COMPLICATION PREVENTION : EXPERIENCE OF 338 CASES

Objective To summarize our clinical experience of microvascular decompression (MVD)for medically intractable hemifacial spasm(HFS) patients with emphasis on microsurgical manipulation and to improve cure rate and avoid surgical complications. Methods Three hundred and thirty-eight patients with HFS underwent MVD under general anesthesia . With the help of zero retraction technique, prosthesis can be properly inserted between offending vessel loop and affected facial nerve REZ in a rolling ball fashion under operative microscope. Results Surgical intervention achieved high relief rate of 91 .4% and no major complications, with low recurrence rate of only 3.2% after averaging more than two years' follow-up ( M = 32 months). Conclusion It is possible to approach to the facial nerve REZ with zero retraction, which is fundamentally important to clear from cranial nerve and cerebellar injury. Skilled microsurgical technique along with correct recognition and mobilization of offending vessels are a must to assure MVD a highly efficacious and low risk treatment of choice for HFS patients.