COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF TRIGEMINAL-NEURALGIA MICROSCOPIC VASCULAR DECOMPRESSION AND ENDOSCOPIC VASCULAR DECOMPRESSION: AN OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) within the distribution of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve is characterized as sudden, extreme, brief, stabbing and persistent pain. Micro-vascular decompression (MVD) in trigeminal neuralgia is a well-accepted and highly successful surgical procedure (TN).

Aims & objectives: To compare and evaluate microscopic vascular decompression and endoscopic vascular decompression for trigeminal-neuralgia.

Materials and Methods: The current research was performed on patients diagnosed with medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia in the Department of Neurosurgery at a tertiary healthcare facility over a span of 2 years. For the study, 60 patients were recruited, 44 and 22 of whom underwent micro-vascular decompression (MVD) and endoscopic micro-vascular decompression (EMVD). Parameters such as age, gender, chief complaints, symptom length, side and number of branches involved were reported before the surgery. A traditional retro-sigmoid technique was used to treat patients with trigeminal neuralgia by surgical exploration. Patients were tracked for one to three months after the operation. The results were graded into four groups: outstanding, nice, fair, and bad. Various complications and symptoms have also been documented.

Results: Among 82 percent of subjects in EMVD, excellent results were reported, while only 59 percent of subjects in the MVD category were reported. Just 5% of subjects in the MVD category with statistically insignificant differences revealed weak performance.

Conclusion: From the results of the current analysis, it can be concluded that endoscopic micro-vascular decompression is a safe, feasible and efficient trigeminal neuralgia treatment technique.

Keywords: Trigeminal-neuralgia, Micro-vascular decompression, endoscopic micro-vascular decompression