Microvascular decompression using a fully transcranial neuroendoscopic approach

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of microvascular decompression (MVD) using a fully transcranial neuroendoscopic approach.

Methods: Thirty-one patients who underwent MVD using a fully transcranial neuroendoscopic approach in our department between May 2016 and September 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: All patients successfully underwent MVD, and immediate pain relief was achieved in all 17 cases of trigeminal neuralgia (TGH) and 3 cases of glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN). Hemifacial spasm (HFS) was completely resolved in all 11 patients. No mortality or permanent complication was seen.

Conclusions: The endoscope is a useful tool for confirming vascular conflict identified by the microscope and is helpful in detecting the vessel responsible for neuralgia without retracting the brain and nerves. MVD using a fully transcranial neuroendoscopic approach is an effective and safe alternative to endoscopic-assisted MVD and traditional MVD.

Keywords: Microvascular decompression; glossopharyngeal neuralgia; hemifacial spasm; transcranial neuroendoscopic approach; trigeminal neuralgia.