Comparison of microvascular decompression, percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy, and stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: A long term quasi-experimental study

• Published in: Pain practice 2024-03, Vol.24 (3), p.514-524
• Main Authors: Altamirano, Juan M, Jimenez-Olvera, Miguel, Moreno-Jimenez, Sergio, Gutierrez-Aceves, Guillermo A, Velasco-Campos, Francisco, Navarro-Olvera, José L, Carrillo-Ruiz, José D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1530-7085; 1533-2500
• DOI: 10.1111/papr.13327

Microvascular decompression (MVD), radiofrequency rhizotomy (RFR), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are surgical techniques frequently used in the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN), although the results reported for each of these are diverse. This study aimed to compare long-term pain control obtained by MVD, SRS, and RFR in patients with idiopathic TN. To compare the results obtained by MVD, SRS, and RFR we chose a quasi-experimental, ambispective design with control groups but no pretest. A total of 52 participants (MVD n = 33, RFR n = 10, SRS n = 9) were included. Using standardized outcome measures, pain intensity, pain relief, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment were assessed by an independent investigator. The TREND statement for reporting non-randomized evaluations was applied. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at the initial postoperative period and at 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years postoperatively. MVD has shown better results in pain scales compared to ablative procedures. Significant differences between groups were found regarding pain intensity and pain relief at the initial postoperative period (p