How I do it: Endoscopic microvascular decompression for a nerve penetrating trigeminocerebellar artery causing trigeminal neuralgia.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The trigeminocerebellar artery is a standard variant originating from the basilar artery and can be an infrequent cause of trigeminal neuralgia. METHOD: Total endoscopic microvascular decompression (eMVD) was performed using a 0-degree endoscope through a retro sigmoid keyhole. Multiple points of neurovascular conflict enhanced by indocyanine green angiography were identified, and the root entry zone was decompressed. The patient had an improvement in facial pain with no complications. CONCLUSION: Complete eMVD for a nerve-penetrating artery is a practical, minimally invasive, uncomplicated technique that improves visualization and patient comfort.