Long-term outcome of percutaneous thermocoagulation for trigeminal neuralgia

A retrospective analysis of long-term efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequen cy thermocoagulation of the trigeminal ganglion or root for the relief of t rigeminal neuralgia was carried out in our unit. From the-medical records a nd questionnaires, outcomes of 108 procedures performed in 81 patients from January 1986 to December 1990 were obtained with a follow-up period of 6-1 1 years. The initial success rate was 87% and the probability of remaining pain-free 1, 2 and 11 years after the procedure was 65, 49 and 26%, respect ively. Patients with typical symptoms had a better long-term efficacy than those with atypical presentations, and patients who had not undergone a pre vious surgical procedure also had a better outcome; There was no mortality in this series. Common adverse effects included dysaesthesia in 20 patients , corneal numbness in 12 patients and masseter weakness in three patients.