Stereotactic and three -dimensional -CT assisted percutaneous radio -frequency thermocoagulation for 124 cases of primary trigeminal neuralgia / 中华神经医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the value of CRW stereotactic navigation system and three-dimensional-CT in the radiofrequency thermocoagulation for primary trigeminal neuralgia.Methods One hundred and twenty-four patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia were treated with percutaneous radio-frequency thermocoagulation with the aid of CRW stereotactic system and three-dimensional CT. Results All of 124 patients were punctured successfully without any complications. Eighty-nine patients (71.8%) were punctured successfully at nce,33 patients(26.6%)were punctured successfully at twice. Because of the variation of the skull bottom, 2 patients (1.6%) were punctured successfully at many times. The effective rate of thermocoagulation is 98.4%. Eighty-seven patients (70.2%) appeared facial sensory decline and 1 (0.8%) appeared keratitis after operation; no such complications as diplopia, masticatory atonia and difficulty in opening mouth appeared. Seven patients (5.6%) relapsed after follow-up for 3 months to 2 years. Conclusion A stereotactic and CT reconstruction can greatly improve the accuracy of puncturing on the foramen ovale, reduce the complications and help to adopt an individualized puncture strategy, which can ensure the effectiveness and increase the cure rate.