Microsurgery for secondary trigeminal neuralgia: Clinical analysis of 37 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the curative effect of microsurgery via posterior approach through the sigmoid sinus in the treatment of secondary trigeminal neuralgia. Methods Clinical data of 37 cases of trigeminal neuralgia secondary to cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor from October 2000 to July 2006 were studied, including 18 cases of cholesteatoma, 8 cases of meningoma, 6 cases of acoustic neuroma, and 5 cases of trigeminal schwannoma. All tumors were removed with microsurgery through a posterior approach by way of the sigmoid sinus. Results A total resection was achieved in 23 cases, a subtotal resection in 10 cases, and a partial resection in 4 cases. Symptoms of neuralgia disappeared in 35 cases (including 32 cases of immediate relief and 3 cases of relief 2 months after operation). There was no improvement in 2 cases. Conclusions Microsurgery via posterior approach through the sigmoid sinus in the treatment of secondary trigeminal neuralgia is safe and effective.