Percutaneous Trigeminal Ganglion Balloon Compression Rhizotomy : Experience in 27 Patients

Abstract EN

Purpose.

Percutaneous ganglion balloon compression (PBC) is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Materials and Methods.

Twenty-seven (19 female and 8 male) patients, who presented with classical symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, were included.

Age ranged from 34 to 91 years (median 62 years), 33 procedures were performed.

Duration of the symptoms ranged from 1 year to 30 years (median 5 years).

Results.

After the procedure, pain relief was reported in 25 (93%) patients.

In two patients, the pain remained the same.

The pain free period ranged from 2 to 74 months (median 15 months).

A mean duration of analgesia was longer in patients with ideal pear shape of balloon at the time of the procedure compared to nonideal shape (P = 0.01).

No major complications occurred in our group of patients.

Conclusions.

Percutaneous trigeminal ganglion balloon compression is a safe, simple, and effective method for temporary pain relief in a selective group of trigeminal neuralgia patients.