Long-term results of percutaneous compression of the gasserian ganglion in trigeminal neuralgia - (Series of 200 patients)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term results of a series of 200 patients operated on by percutaneous compression of the gasserian ganglion (PCGG) according to Mullan and Lichtor's technique. The balloon was inflated for 6 min with 0.7 cm(3) of iopamiro. We report excellent and satisfactory results in 62.5% of the cases and recurrence in 32.5% with a mean follow-up of 51 months. Severe sensory complications were rare (3%), whereas hearing disturbances were more frequent (11%). One unfortunate postoperative death was reported. With acceptable morbidity and in spite of this death, PCGG is an effective method which can easily be repeated in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.