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.