Percutaneous Streotaxic Gasserian Ganglionotomy with Radiofrequency Current in Trigeminal Neuralgia

ABSTRACT

Chemical destruction of Gasserian ganglion by either alcohol or phenol has remained a popular form of treatment for tic pain. However, control of the lesion size is inaccurate and various complications have often resulted. With advent of radiofrequency generator, percutaneous coagulation of the Gasserian ganglion is now possible, and the need for open surgery or chemical destruction have been drastically reduced. We treated 3 cases of trigeminal neuralgia with the radiofrequency current. Modified Hartel's anterior appaorch for the injection of the Gasserian ganglion is utilized and the radiofrequency lesions were made in the second branches of the trigeminal nerve selectively preserving the touch sensation in our patients. We reviewed the literature and described the technical procedures.