Clinical characteristics and surgical techniques of trigeminal neuralgia caused simply by venous compression.

Objective: The objective of this study was to introduce the operation essentials for treatment of patients with vein compression so as to obtain a satisfactory decompression without sacrificing veins.

Methods: We chose 15 patients with trigeminal neuralgia caused by venous from June 15, 2010, through June 15, 2011, and performed microvascular decompression for each patient. By collecting clinical data, such as preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans, key operative procedures, surgical outcomes, and complications, we explored the operation techniques for these patients and finally summarized our experiences and ideas.

Results: For all the 15 patients, 9 cases had excellent remission, 3 cases had delayed excellent remission, 1 case had good remission, and 2 cases had failed result; the total remission rate was 86.7%; 3 cases had facial numbness.

Conclusions: For patients with vein compression, we combine the following 4 procedures together: (1) fully releasing the arachnoid around trigeminal nerve, (2) exploration and decompression of the whole trigeminal root from Meckel cave to pons, (3) cauterization of companioned petrosal vein tributaries by bipolar coagulation, and (4) placing Teflon between trigeminal nerve and offending petrosal vein, thus could acquire a satisfactory effect (remission rate, 86.7%).