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Objective:There are a variety of minimally invasive interventional treatments for trigeminal neuralgia,and the efficacy evaluation is different.The preferred treatment scheme is still controversial.This study aims to investigate the differences in treatment effects between patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia(PTN)treated with percutaneous balloon compression(PBC)for the first intervention and patients with pain recurrence after radiofrequency thermocoagulation(RT)who then received PBC for PTN,and to offer clinicians and patients more scientifically grounded and precise treatment alternatives. Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 103 patients with PTN admitted to the Department of Pain Management of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2020 to December 2021,including 49 patients who received PBC for the first time(PBC group)and 54 patients who received PBC for pain recurrence after RT(RT+PBC group).General information,preoperative pain score,intraoperative oval foramen morphology,oval foramen area,balloon volume,duration of compression,and postoperative pain scores and pain recurrence at each time point on day 1(T1),day 7(T2),day 14(T3),1 month(T4),3 months(T5),and 1 year(T6)were collected and recorded for both groups.The differences in treatment effect,complications and recurrence between the 2 groups were compared,and the related influencing factors were analyzed. Results:The differences of general information,preoperative pain scores,foramen ovale morphology,foramen ovale area,T1 to T3 pain scores between the 2 groups were not statistically different(all P>0.05).The balloon filling volume in the PBC group was smaller than that in the RT+PBC group,the pain scores at T4 to T6 and pain recurrence were better than those in the RT+PBC group(all P<0.05).Pain recurrence was positively correlated with pain scores of T2 to T6(r=0.306,0.482,0.831,0.876,0.887,respectively;all P<0.01). Conclusion:The choice of PBC for the first intervention in PTN patients is superior to the choice of PBC after pain recurrence after RT treatment in terms of treatment outcome and pain recurrence.
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Objective @#To evaluate the therapeutic effect of CT/MRI image fusion and usual CT guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of trigeminal semilunar ganglion . @*Methods @#The medical information of 88 patients diagnosed with primary trigeminal neuralgia were assembled . In accordance with different imaging guidance means , they were equally divided into the control group ( trigeminal semilunar ganglion radiofrequency thermo coagulation with CT guidance ) and the fusion group ( trigeminal semilunar ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagula tion with assistance of CT/MRI image fusion technology) at random. The puncture time , intraoperative discomfort rate , preoperative , intraoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score , Barrow neurological insti tute (BNI) pain score and postoperative complication rate were contrasted . @*Results @#The puncture operation time of the fusion group was shorter than that of the control group (P < 0 05) ; the intraoperative and postoperative VAS and BNI scores , occurrence rate of intraoperative discomfort and postoperative complications in the fusion group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05) .@*Conclusion @#In respect of improving therapeutic effect and diminishing intraoperative discomfort and postoperative complications , CT/MRI image fusion technique is superior to CT guidance .
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Substance-related disorders are chronic psychiatric conditions defined by substance abuse, and they compromise patients both clinically and functionally. Currently, pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapy, or an association of both are the treatments of choice for obsessive-compulsive disorder associated with drug addiction. However, the refractoriness to treatment, as a result of the high failure rates of these approaches, has led to the need to develop surgical techniques to treat severe cases of substance-related disorders. In the present article, we report the case of a patient who underwent neurosurgery through the stereotactic technique after refractoriness to the conventional treatment for drug addiction. The patient showed sustained improvement in his addiction to drugs. Despite the numerous reports on the effectiveness and applicability of neurosurgery in psychiatric disorders, some concerns regarding stereotactic surgery as a treatment for drug addiction still remain, especially in relation to its efficacy, safety, and ethical implications.
Transtornos relacionados ao uso de substâncias são condições psiquiátricas crônicas definidas pelo abuso de substâncias, que deixam o paciente comprometido clínica e funcionalmente. Atualmente, a farmacoterapia, a terapia comportamental ou a associação de ambas são os tratamentos de escolha para o transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo associado ao vício em drogas. Contudo, a refratariedade ao tratamento, resultante das altas taxas de fracasso dessas abordagens, tornou necessário o desenvolvimento de técnicas cirúrgicas para tratar casos graves de transtornos relacionados ao uso de substâncias. Neste artigo, relatamos o caso de um paciente submetido a neurocirurgia pela técnica estereotáxica após fracasso do tratamento convencional para drogadição. O paciente apresentou melhora sustentada do vício em drogas. Apesar dos inúmeros relatos sobre a eficácia e a aplicabilidade da neurocirurgia em transtornos psiquiátricas, ainda existem certa preocupação a respeito da cirurgia estereotáxica como tratamento para a drogadição, principalmente em relação à sua eficácia, segurança e implicações éticas.
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Objective:To examine the effect of minimally invasive radiofrequency(RF)thermocoagulation of the posterior medial branch of the spinal nerves on lumbar facet joint(LFJ)pain in the elderly.Methods:Patients over 60 years old with LFJ pain were randomly divided into an RF group and a control group.The primary outcome measures were the numerical rating scale(NRS)for pain assessment and the proportion of patients whose NRS decreased by 2 points or more, while the secondary outcome measures were the lumbar Oswestry dysfunction index(ODI), the proportion of patients whose ODI score decreased by 15 points or more, and the Macnab criteria.Results:Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into an RF group and a control group, with 135 patients in each group, including 171 women and 99 men.Compared with baseline values, changes in NRS scores in the RF group were significantly different from those in the control group at the 1st, 3rd and 6th months[(-2.3±1.1) vs.(-1.2±1.2), (-2.3±1.1) vs.(-1.2±1.2), (-2.3±1.1) vs.(-1.2±1.2), t=13.204, 16.366, 20.319, all P<0.001], and the proportions of patients whose NRS decreased by ≥2 at the 3rd and 6th months were higher in the RF group than in the control group[61.1%(80/131) vs.26.0%(32/123), 52.9%(64/121) vs.22.5%(25/111), χ2=18.287, 11.844, both P<0.001]. Compared with baseline values, there were also significant differences in ODI score changes between the RF group and the control group at the 1st, 3rd and 6th months[(-15.2±6.7) vs.(-10.1±7.4), (-14.6±6.8) vs.(-8.6±6.2), (-13.6±8.8) vs.(-7.7±9.2), t=5.563, 8.912, 7.721, all P<0.001], and the proportions of ODI reduction ≥15 were higher in the RF group than in the control group at the 3rd and 6th months[45.8%(60/131) vs.34.1%(42/123), 36.4%(44/121) vs.27.0%(30/111), χ2=6.668, 9.825, P=0.024, 0.031]. The proportions of patients achieving outcomes categorized as excellent and effective based on the Macnab criteria were significantly higher in the RF group than in the control group at the 6th month[60.3%(73/121) vs.36.0%(40/111), 81.0%(98/121) vs.54.1%(60/111), χ2=11.787, 8.890, both P<0.001)]. Conclusions:Minimally invasive radiofrequency thermocoagulation in the posterior medial branch of the spinal nerves can effectively reduce pain of the lumbar facet joints and improve movement disorders in the elderly, and the therapeutic effect is good 6 months after the procedure.
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Objective:To explore the clinical application values of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC) based on stereotactic electroencephalogram (SEEG) high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) analysis in patients with refractory epilepsy.Methods:Fourteen patients with refractory epilepsy treated with SEEG-guided RF-TC were selected from Department of Neurosurgery, PLA Western Theater Command General Hospital from August 2019 to December 2021. Automatic detection algorithm of Matlab was used to calculate the HFOs incidence in each montage, and the fitting curves of HFOs incidences were used to formulate the threshold of HFOs and delimit the HFOs regions (ripples and fast ripples). These patients were divided into non-seizure group and seizure group according to the prognoses 3 and 6 months after RF-TC. At the last follow-up, these patients were divided into good prognosis group and poor prognosis group according to Engel grading; the differences of ripple thermocoagulation rate and fast ripple thermocoagulation rate between the 2 groups were compared.Results:A total of 7,332 ripples and 1,144 fast ripples were detected in SEEG data from 14 patients. Six months after surgery, neurological dysfunction incidence was 14.3%, without permanent neurological dysfunction, intracranial infection, intracranial hemorrhage, or electrode equipment failure. Within 3 months of RF-TC, seizure-free rate was 71.4% (10/14), and fast ripple thermocoagulation rate in non-seizure group was significantly higher than that in seizure group ( P<0.05); within 6 months of RF-TC, seizure-free rate was 57.1% (8/14), and ripple thermocoagulation rate in non-seizure group was significantly higher than that in seizure group ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, 6 patients had good prognosis and 8 patients had poor prognosis; the ripple thermocoagulation rate in good prognosis group was significantly higher than that in poor prognosis ( P<0.05). Conclusions:HFOs can assist in designating epileptogenic regions. Patients with wider range of thermocoagulation ripples or fast ripples will have better short-term efficacy; patients with wider range ofthermocoagulation ripples will have better prognosis.
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【Objective】 To compare the efficacy of radiofrequency thermocoagulation and pulsed radiofrequency for the ganglion impar in treating primary perineal pain. 【Methods】 We analyzed 79 patients with primary perineal pain who underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation (group A) and pulsed radiofrequency (group B) in the ganglion impar from January 2020 to March 2022. VAS, excellent and good rates, sleep quality, postoperative medication usage, complications, and recurrence were evaluated before and 24 h, 1 W, 1 M, 3 M and 6 M after operation. The differences between the two groups were compared. 【Results】 The VAS score of group A gradually decreased at each level after operation, and the VAS score of group B gradually increased after 24 hours of operation. The differences between the two groups began to appear 1 week after operation, and the differences further increased with the extension of time (P<0.001). In six months after follow-up, the excellent and good rates of group A (86%) was significantly higher than that of group B (22%). In addition to postoperative perineal skin numbness, group A was superior to group B in improving sleep, postoperative oral medication (pregabalin and opioids), and disease recurrence (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the ganglion impar can improve the quality of life by reducing pain, improving the excellent and good rates, improving sleep, and reducing recurrence a medication. The effect is better than that of pulsed radiofrequency.
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a disabling chronic neuropsychiatric disease, entails high economic costs to society and has high morbidity and mortality rates. The first-line treatments for OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitivebehavioral therapy. However, this disorder has the highest refractory index to noninvasive treatment. Alternatively, ablative thermocoagulation neurosurgical techniques have shown efficacy and few adverse effects. The present systematic review aimed to identify validated protocols to observe the effectiveness of ablative procedures in the treatment of severe and refractory OCD, as well as their possible adverse effects and benefits. This review supports the effectiveness of ablative methods by presenting them as a safe non-experimental therapeutic option for cases of highlyrefractory OCD. Additional relevant findings were the improvement in cognitive function, functional capacity, affective orientation, and quality of life, which contribute to the destigmatization of this surgical technique. Further controlled studies may lead to the individualization of recommendations of targets for ablative thermocoagulation.
Subject(s)
Electrocoagulation/psychology , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/physiopathology , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/therapy , Psychosurgery/methods , Electrocoagulation/methods , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/diagnosisABSTRACT
Objective:To study the treatment efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation in patients with hyperhidrosis of heads and palms.Methods:Thirty patients with primary hyperhidrosis of heads and palms, admitted to our hospital from June 2017 to May 2019, were chosen in our study. CT-guided percutaneous puncture of T 3 or T 4 and sympathetic ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation were given to all patients. The evaluation of curative effects and complications of these patients were summarized during the 12 months of follow up. Results:The symptoms of hyperhidrosis in 24 patients got significant improvement, enjoying postoperative satisfaction rate of 80%. During the surgery, 5 patients suffered thoracic and lung puncture injury, including 4 with pneumothorax and one with hemothorax. Seven patients experienced pain and numbness in the chest, back, armpit or upper arm after surgery; 10 patients developed compensatory hyperhidrosis of the back, and two patients developed compensatory hyperhidrosis of the back and bilateral feet.Conclusion:Percutaneous radiofrequency is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis that provides excellent immediate and long-term effect, as well as low complication rate.
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Objective:To investigate the value of stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) in patients with focal epilepsy.Methods:Eighteen patients with focal epilepsy admitted to and treated by SEEG-guided RFTC in our hospital from April 2019 to December 2020 were chosen. The clinical data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed, and follow up was performed monthly by telephone and outpatient subsequent visit. The treatment efficacies of these patients were evaluated by Engel grading.Results:(1) The number of electrodes accurately implanted into the intended target in these 18 patients was 4-11 (6.56±2.15 on average); unilateral implantation was noted in 6 patients, and bilateral implantation was noted in 12 patients. SEEG monitoring showed that 7 patients were with frontal lobe epilepsy, 8 were with temporal lobe epilepsy, 2 were with frontotemporal junction epilepsy, and one was with temporal occipital junction epilepsy. (2) Two-9 RFTC electrodes (3.43±1.47 on average), and 9-42 RFTC contacts (17.38±9.20 on average) were given in these 18 patients. One patient developed seizures during the course of RFTC, one had temporary mental symptoms after RFTC, one had diffuse brain edema with intracranial hypertension, and one had asymptomatic regional brain edema. The total complication incidence was 22.2% (4/18) and no permanent neurological impairment occurred. (3) Eleven patients (61.1%) had recurred seizure within 1 year of RFTC: 3 (27.3%) recurred within 1 month, 3 (27.3%) recurred within 1-3 months, 3 (27.3%) recurred within 3-6 months, and 2 (18.2%) recurred within 6-12 months; however, the duration and frequency of seizure were obviously decreased as compared with those before RFTC. Seven patients (38.9%) received craniotomy after RFTC; follow up for 5-24 months showed that 12 patients were with Engel grading I, 4 were with Engel grading II, 2 were with Engel III, and no one was with Engel grading IV.Conclusions:SEEG-guided RFTC has enabled patients with focal epilepsy to achieve complete remission of their seizures with varying durations, and some patients have achieved long-term remission of their seizures. For patients with recurrent epilepsy after SEEG-guided RFTC, further craniotomy of the epileptogenic area is still effective.
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Objetivos: Describir resultados de los últimos 11 años en el tratamiento de neuralgia del trigémino con termocoagulación por radiofrecuencia, analizar variables relacionadas a complicaciones y resultados. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, longitudinal, comparativo y analítico. Se analizaron los resultados de los últimos 11 años de nuestro servicio evaluando las temperaturas de las lesiones armando dos grupos, de 65°C-70°C y 71°C-75°C para analizar su relación con resultados y complicaciones. Resultados: Se trataron 59 pacientes en los cuales se realizaron 74 procedimientos, la edad media fue 59.22 años (±13,45). Se observó recidiva en 23 procedimientos con una tasa global de 31%. El tiempo medio de recidiva fue de 28,19 meses (±26,21). El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 33,10 meses (±33,49). El tiempo medio de evolución del dolor, previo al primer procedimiento, fue de 5,35 años (±4,37). Analizando los grupos se observó que no existía relación significativamente estadística (p = 0,74) entre el grupo de pacientes de 65ºC-70ºC y el grupo de 71ºC-75ºC y recidiva. No se observó relación estadísticamente significativa entre el grupo de 65ºC-70ºC y el grupo de 71ºC-75ºC y tiempo de recidiva (p=0,12). Se observó más pacientes con hipoestesia inmediata en el grupo de pacientes de 65ºC-70ºC, sin significación estadística (p=0,47). Conclusión: La termocoagulación por radiofrecuencia de ganglio de Gasser es un procedimiento accesible, mínimamente invasivo que demostró buenos resultados y buen manejo del dolor con bajo índice de complicaciones.
Objectives: Describe results of the last 11 years in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with radiofrequency thermocoagulation, analyze variables related to complications and results. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal, comparative and analytical study. The results of the last 11 years of our service were analyzed by assessing the temperatures of the lesions by assembling two groups, 65° C-70° C and 71 ° C-75° C to analyze their relationship with results and complications. Results: 59 patients were treated in which 74 procedures were performed; the mean age was 59.22 years (± 13.45). Recurrence was observed in 23 procedures with an overall rate of 31%. The average recurrence time was 28.19 months (± 26.21). The average follow-up time was 33.10 months (± 33.49). The average time of pain evolution, prior to the first procedure, was 5.35 years (± 4.37). Analyzing the groups, it was observed that there was no significant statistical relationship (p = 0.74) between the group of patients from 65ºC-70ºC and the group from 71ºC-75ºC and recurrence. No statistically significant relationship was observed between the 65ºC-70ºC group and the 71ºC-75ºC group and recurrence time (p = 0.12). More patients with immediate hypoaesthesia were observed in the group of patients from 65ºC-70ºC, without statistical significance (p = 0.47). Conclusion: Gasser's ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation is an accessible, minimally invasive procedure that demonstrated good results and good pain management with a low complication rate