Fully endoscopic microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: technique review and early outcomes

Abstract

Object Fully endoscopicmicrovascular decompression (E-MVD) of the trigeminal nerve was initially described more than 1 decade ago, but has not yet gained wide acceptance. The authors present the experience of their first 47 consecutive E-MVDs for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Methods All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon (J.Y.K.L.) at the Pennsylvania Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. Patients prospectively completed pain scales before and after surgery by using the Brief Pain Inventory–Facial outcomes tool. All patients were called on the telephone, and the same outcome tool was administered without reference to their preoperative pain status. Results Forty-seven patients (17 men) were identified and enrolled. Forty (85%) had Burchiel Type 1 TN. Vascular compression was observed at surgery in 42 patients (89%). No surgery was aborted or converted to microscope. One patient suffered permanent hearing loss, for a permanent neurological morbidity rate of 2%. Overall improvement in pain outcomes was excellent, with a median maximum pain intensity preoperatively of 10 and postoperatively of 0 (p< 0.0001). The mean interference with global function scores were 6.2 preoperatively and reduced to 1.0 at last follow-up (p < 0.0001). The mean interference with facial function was 7.3 preoperatively and reduced to 1.2 at last follow-up (p < 0.0001). The mean follow-up period after surgery was 15 ± 8 months. Conclusions In experienced hands, E-MVD offers superb visualization and illumination and is both safe and effective, at least in the short term. Further longer-term study is needed to compare E-MVD to traditional microscopic MVD.