CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation on a trigeminal ganglion for the treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of 3D-CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation on the trigeminal ganglion for the treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia.Methods Undergoing the 3D-CT guidance,the modified Hartel method was used to puncture the trigeminal ganglion through,and then the target was verified by electrostimulation.Finally,the target was destroyed by the radiofrequency controlled thermocoagulation under local or general anesthesia.Results 54 out of 56 patients did not feel any pain after the surgery,but only 2 cases had a little of pain,which was controlled by oral administration.The healing rate reached 96.43%.The facial numbness occurred in 54 cases postoperatively,jumping pain in 2 ones,weakening masticatory force in 12 ones,and headache and dizziness in 6 ones,but any severe complications were not found.Conclusion It is clearly indicated that CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation on the trigeminal ganglion for treating primary trigeminal neuralgia is safe and reliable;additionally,it can also decrease complications due to puncturing depth or direction.