Huang P, Liu H, Huang L, Jin X. The long-term outcome of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve in trigeminal neuralgia.
Neurosurg Rev 2024;
47:33. [PMID:
38182916 DOI:
10.1007/s10143-023-02269-w]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve has been used for trigeminal neuralgia. However, the long-term outcomes of radiofrequency thermocoagulation have not been established. To evaluate the long-term efficacy of RFTC of peripheral branches in patients with refractory trigeminal neuralgia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a comprehensive medical center in China. Patients who underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation of peripheral branches for refractory trigeminal neuralgia from May 2014 to March 2021 were included for analysis. A total of 84 patients with refractory trigeminal neuralgia underwent 105 procedures. BNI I-II which represents treatment success was achieved in 76/84 (90%) patients and 93/105 (89%) procedures. During follow-up, BNI I and II were maintained in 64/76 (84%), 40/73 (55%), 20/67 (30%), 17/65 (26%), 12/61 (20%), and 8/58 (14%) of patients at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years, after the first procedure, respectively. For all the 105 procedures, BNI I and II were maintained in 68/93 (73%), 41/89(46%), 22/82(27%), 15/79 (19%), 8/74 (11%), and 3/72 (4%) at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years, respectively. There is no significant difference between the first and repeat thermocoagulation in terms of immediate (90% vs. 81%, P=0.140) and long-term efficacies (24 months vs.18 months, P=0.266). Radiofrequency thermocoagulation resulted in better long-term outcomes in patients with typical purely paroxysmal pain (24 months vs. 11 months, P=0.033). Radiofrequency ablation of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve might be a safe and effective method in the treatment of refractory trigeminal neuralgia.
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