ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the outcomes of endoscopic minimally invasive surgery as a new technique for the treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia.Methods From January 2000 to May 2008,16 cases of primary glossopharyngeal neuralgia were treated by endoscopic minimally invasive surgery through suboccipital retrosigmoid approach in our hospital.We made a 6-to 8-cm vertical incision within the inner hairline to drain the cerebrospinal fluid from the cerebellopotine angle cistern(CPA) so that to form an operational path.And then,the adherent arachnoid membrane was freed and the structure of the glossopharyngeal nerve and local arteries were detected.Results After the endoscopic surgery,pharyngeal pain disappeared in all of the 16 cases.Follow-up was available for 3 months to 8 years in the patients(1-3 years in 4 cases,and 3-8 years in 2 cases).Two patients had hoarse voice after the operation.No one had dysphagia or recurrence during the follow-up.Conclusion Endoscopic surgery through suboccipital retrosigmoid approach is a minimally invasive method for primary glossopharyngeal neuralgia with good outcomes,mild surgery-related complications,and quick post-operative recovery.