Treatment of redo-microvascular decompression or internal neurolysis plus microvascular decompression for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia: a review of long-term effectiveness and safety

Abstract

Objective We examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and assessed the long-term efficacy and safety of microvascular decompression (MVD) to treat typical recurrent TN. Methods We identified 3024 patients who underwent MVD for treatment of TN at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from March 2009 to December 2020. We retrospectively analyzed the data and outcomes of 137 patients who underwent redo-MVD and 74 patients who did not undergo redo-MVD as the control group. These outcomes were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute scoring system. Results Recurrence in 68 of the 137 patients was due to incomplete or absent decompression or new responsible vessels. To ensure thorough pain relief, redo-MVD should include decompression of both the trigeminal root entry zone and the peripheral nerve segments, where blood vessels can cause symptoms. Factors associated with reduced effectiveness of redo-MVD were no period of initial pain relief after the first MVD and a longer duration of symptoms before the first MVD. Conclusions Redo-MVD should not be excluded as a treatment option for patients with refractory TN who develop recurrent pain after a first MVD procedure.