Factors associated with outcomes following microvascular decompression for the treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate pain assessment strategies and factors associated with outcomes after microvascular decompression for the treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia in adults. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of English, Spanish, and French literature. We searched three databases, PubMed, Ovid, and EBSCO, from 2010 to 2022 and selected studies including patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia, clear pain assessment, and pain outcomes. Population means and standard deviations were calculated. Studies that included factors associated with postoperative outcomes were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 995 studies involving 5673 patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia following microvascular decompression were included. Patients with arteries compressing the trigeminal nerve demonstrated optimal outcomes following microvascular decompression (odds ratio [OR]= 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19-0.80; X2 = 46.31; Dof = 15; I2 = 68%; P = < 0.0001). Conversely, when comparing arterial vs venous compression of the trigeminal nerve (OR = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.16-6.38; X2 = 23.23; Dof = 10; I2 = 57%; P = 0.01), venous compression demonstrated poor outcomes after microvascular decompression. Additionally, when comparing single-vessel vs multiple-vessel compression (OR = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.18-6.25; X2 = 21.17; Dof = 9; I2 = 57%; P = 0.01), patients demonstrated unfavorable outcomes after microvascular decompression. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated factors associated with outcomes following microvascular decompression (MVD) for primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN). Although MVD is an optimal treatment strategy for PTN, a gap exists in interpreting the results when considering the lack of evidence for most pain assessment strategies.

Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology - evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To review key evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial palsy in children and adults. METHODS: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on peripheral facial palsy were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: The topics were divided into 2 main parts: (1) Evaluation and diagnosis of facial palsy: electrophysiologic tests, idiopathic facial palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, traumatic peripheral facial palsy, recurrent peripheral facial palsy, facial nerve tumors, and peripheral facial palsy in children; and (2) Rehabilitation procedures: surgical decompression of the facial nerve, facial nerve grafting, surgical treatment of long-term peripheral facial palsy, and non-surgical rehabilitation of the facial nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral facial palsy is a condition of diverse etiology. Treatment should be individualized according to the cause of facial nerve dysfunction, but the literature presents better evidence-based recommendations for systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Comparison of microvascular decompression, percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy, and stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: A long term quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular decompression (MVD), radiofrequency rhizotomy (RFR), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are surgical techniques frequently used in the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN), although the results reported for each of these are diverse. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare long-term pain control obtained by MVD, SRS, and RFR in patients with idiopathic TN. METHODS: To compare the results obtained by MVD, SRS, and RFR we chose a quasi-experimental, ambispective design with control groups but no pretest. A total of 52 participants (MVD n = 33, RFR n = 10, SRS n = 9) were included. Using standardized outcome measures, pain intensity, pain relief, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment were assessed by an independent investigator. The TREND statement for reporting non-randomized evaluations was applied. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at the initial postoperative period and at 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years postoperatively. RESULTS: MVD has shown better results in pain scales compared to ablative procedures. Significant differences between groups were found regarding pain intensity and pain relief at the initial postoperative period (p < 0.001) and 6 months (p = 0.022), 1 year (p < 0.001), 2 years (p = 0.002), and 3 years (p = 0.004) after the intervention. Those differences exceeded the thresholds of the minimal clinically important difference. A higher percentage of patients free of pain was observed in the group of patients treated by MVD, with significant differences at the initial postoperative period (p < 0.001) and 6 months (p = 0.02), 1 year (p = 0.001), and 2 years (p = 0.04) after the procedure. Also, a higher risk of pain recurrence was observed in the RFR and SRS groups (HR 3.15, 95% CI 1.33-7.46; p = 0.009; and HR 4.26, 95% CI 1.77-10.2; p = 0.001, respectively) compared to the MVD group. No significant differences were found in terms of quality of life and satisfaction with treatment. A higher incidence of complications was observed in the MVD group. CONCLUSION: Concerning pain control and risk of pain recurrence, MVD is superior to RFR and SRS, but not in terms of quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, and safety profile.

Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology — evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy

Abstract Objective To review key evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial palsy in children and adults. Methods Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on peripheral facial palsy were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results The topics were divided into 2 main parts: (1) Evaluation and diagnosis of facial palsy: electrophysiologic tests, idiopathic facial palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, traumatic peripheral facial palsy, recurrent peripheral facial palsy, facial nerve tumors, and peripheral facial palsy in children; and (2) Rehabilitation procedures: surgical decompression of the facial nerve, facial nerve grafting, surgical treatment of long-term peripheral facial palsy, and non-surgical rehabilitation of the facial nerve. Conclusions Peripheral facial palsy is a condition of diverse etiology. Treatment should be individualized according to the cause of facial nerve dysfunction, but the literature presents better evidence-based recommendations for systemic corticosteroid therapy.

CyberKnife Radiosurgery for refractory bilateral trigeminal neuralgia. Case report

Case description: A case of a 37-year-old female patient suffering from refractory bilateral trigeminal neuralgia is presented, who underwent various interventions such as acupuncture, block therapies and even microvascular decompression without effective pain relief. Clinical findings: Paresthesias and shooting-like twinges of pain intensity 10/10 in bilateral maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve, with nasal and intraoral triggers that made eating impossible, becoming increasingly severe since refractoriness to microvascular decompression and carbamazepines, triggering the twinges even during sleep, generating somnolence, depressive mood and social isolation. Treatment and results: The patient was evaluated by an interdisciplinary neuro-oncology team, where, in accordance with the analysis of the brain magnetic resonance imaging and the patient's history, it was indicated to perform Cyberknife® radiosurgery in monofraction on the left trigeminal and subsequently treat the contralateral trigeminal. When treated with Cyberknife® radiosurgery, the patient reported absolute improvement in her pain for 2 years. Clinical relevance: Radiosurgery by CyberKnife is not yet the first line of management in trigeminal neuralgia, however, it should be considered since several studies have managed to demonstrate an increase in the quality of life of patients and pain relief in refractory or severe cases. of said pathology.

Descripción del caso: Se presenta un caso de paciente femenino de 37 años que padecía neuralgia del trigémino bilateral refractaria, tratada con terapias alternativas, cirugía de descompresión microvascular, analgesia multimodal y terapias de bloqueo sin alivio efectivo del dolor. Hallazgos clínicos: Parestesias y punzadas tipo disparo de intensidad del dolor 10/10 en ramas maxilar y mandibular bilaterales del nervio trigémino, con gatillos nasales e intraorales que imposibilitaban comer, tornándose cada vez más severa desde refractariedad a descompresión microvascular y carbamazepinas, desencadenándose las punzadas incluso en el sueño, provocando somnolencia, animo depresivo y aislamiento social. Tratamiento y resultados: La paciente fue sometida a valoración por equipo interdisciplinario de neurooncología, donde en concordancia con el análisis de la resonancia magnética cerebral y los antecedentes de la paciente, se indicó realización de radiocirugía por Cyberknife en monofracción sobre trigémino izquierdo y posteriormente tratar el contralateral. Al ser tratada con radiocirugía Cyberknife® la paciente refiere mejora absoluta de su dolor desde hace 2 años. Relevancia clínica: La Radiocirugía por Cyberknife aún no es primera línea de manejo en neuralgia del trigémino, sin embargo, debería considerarse ya que diversos estudios han logrado demostrar un aumento en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y alivio del dolor en casos refractarios o graves de dicha patología.

CyberKnife Radiosurgery for refractory bilateral trigeminal neuralgia. Case report.

Case description: A case of a 37-year-old female patient suffering from refractory bilateral trigeminal neuralgia is presented, who underwent various interventions such as acupuncture, block therapies and even microvascular decompression without effective pain relief. Clinical findings: Paresthesias and shooting-like twinges of pain intensity 10/10 in bilateral maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve, with nasal and intraoral triggers that made eating impossible, becoming increasingly severe since refractoriness to microvascular decompression and carbamazepines, triggering the twinges even during sleep, generating somnolence, depressive mood and social isolation. Treatment and results: The patient was evaluated by an interdisciplinary neuro-oncology team, where, in accordance with the analysis of the brain magnetic resonance imaging and the patient's history, it was indicated to perform Cyberknife® radiosurgery in monofraction on the left trigeminal and subsequently treat the contralateral trigeminal. When treated with Cyberknife® radiosurgery, the patient reported absolute improvement in her pain for 2 years. Clinical relevance: Radiosurgery by CyberKnife is not yet the first line of management in trigeminal neuralgia, however, it should be considered since several studies have managed to demonstrate an increase in the quality of life of patients and pain relief in refractory or severe cases. of said pathology.

Descripción del caso: Se presenta un caso de paciente femenino de 37 años que padecía neuralgia del trigémino bilateral refractaria, tratada con terapias alternativas, cirugía de descompresión microvascular, analgesia multimodal y terapias de bloqueo sin alivio efectivo del dolor. Hallazgos clínicos: Parestesias y punzadas tipo disparo de intensidad del dolor 10/10 en ramas maxilar y mandibular bilaterales del nervio trigémino, con gatillos nasales e intraorales que imposibilitaban comer, tornándose cada vez más severa desde refractariedad a descompresión microvascular y carbamazepinas, desencadenándose las punzadas incluso en el sueño, provocando somnolencia, animo depresivo y aislamiento social. Tratamiento y resultados: La paciente fue sometida a valoración por equipo interdisciplinario de neurooncología, donde en concordancia con el análisis de la resonancia magnética cerebral y los antecedentes de la paciente, se indicó realización de radiocirugía por Cyberknife en monofracción sobre trigémino izquierdo y posteriormente tratar el contralateral. Al ser tratada con radiocirugía Cyberknife® la paciente refiere mejora absoluta de su dolor desde hace 2 años. Relevancia clínica: La Radiocirugía por Cyberknife aún no es primera línea de manejo en neuralgia del trigémino, sin embargo, debería considerarse ya que diversos estudios han logrado demostrar un aumento en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y alivio del dolor en casos refractarios o graves de dicha patología.

Trigeminal neuralgia recurrence: a comparison of microvascular decompression and percutaneous balloon compression: a five years follow-up study / Neuralgia do trigêmeo recorrente: uma comparação entre descompressão microvascular e compressão percutânea por balão: um estudo de acompanhamento de cinco anos

ABSTRACT Background: About 50% of patients that suffer from trigeminal neuralgia do not experience sustained benefit from the use of oral medication. For their adequate management, a few surgical procedures are available. Of these, percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) and microvascular decompression (MD) are two of the most performed worldwide. In this retrospective study, we present the outcomes of these techniques through estimation of initial pain relief and subsequent recurrence rate. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with medically refractory trigeminal pain surgically treated at Hospital Cajuru, Curitiba, Brazil, with PBC, MD or both between 2013 and 2018 were enrolled into this retrospective study. The post-procedural rate for pain relief and recurrence and associations between patient demographics and outcomes were analyzed. Results: MD had an earlier recurrence time than balloon compression. Of the 37 patients, the mean age was 61.6 years, approximately one third were male and most had type I neuralgia. The most affected branch was the maxillary (V2). The time for recurrence after surgery was on average 11.8 months for PBC and 9.0 months for MD. Complications were seen only with microsurgery. Conclusions: MD presented with a more precocious recurrence of pain than PBC in this article. Moreover, it had a higher recurrence rate than described in the literature as well, which is possibly explained by the type of graft (muscle) that was used to separate the neurovascular structures.

RESUMO Introdução: Cerca de 50% dos pacientes com neuralgia do trigêmeo não apresenta benefícios a longo prazo com o uso de medicação oral. Para a manutenção do tratamento, algumas opções cirúrgicas estão disponíveis, sendo a compressão percutânea por balão (CPB) e a descompressão microvascular (DM) algumas das modalidades mais realizadas em todo o mundo. Neste estudo retrospectivo, apresentamos os desfechos dessas técnicas por meio de estimativa da melhora inicial da dor e da taxa de recorrência subsequente. Métodos: Trinta e sete pacientes com dor trigeminal refratária ao tratamento medicamentoso tratados cirurgicamente no Hospital Cajuru, Curitiba, Brasil, com CPB, DM ou ambos entre 2013 e 2018 foram incluídos neste estudo retrospectivo. A taxa pós-procedimento para alívio e recorrência da dor e suas associações com a demografia e desfechos dos pacientes foram analisadas. Resultados: A DM foi associada a menor recorrência que a compressão por balão. Entre os 37 pacientes, a idade média foi de 61,6 anos, aproximadamente um terço eram do sexo masculino e a maioria apresentava neuralgia do tipo I. O ramo mais afetado foi o maxilar (V2). O tempo de recorrência após a cirurgia foi em média de 11,8 meses para CPB e 9,0 meses para DM. Foram vistas complicações apenas na microcirurgia. Conclusões: A DM apresentou recidiva mais precoce da dor em comparação à CPB. Além disso, apresentou uma taxa de recorrência mais alta do que a descrita na literatura, o que é possivelmente explicado pelo tipo de enxerto (músculo) usado para separar as estruturas neurovasculares.

Descompresión Microvascular para el Tratamiento del Espasmo Hemifacial

Resumen El espasmo hemifacial se caracteriza por contracciones tonicoclónicas en los músculos inervados por el nervio facial, causado por la compresión del nervio facial por una arteria, generalmente la arteria cerebelosa anteroinferior o venas del ángulo pontocerebeloso. Suelen aparecer espontáneamente, debido a la tensión emocional, fatiga, y disminuyen durante el reposo. Se presenta entre los 13 a 77 años con una duración de los síntomas aproximadamente de ocho años. La inyección local de toxina botulínica puede ser efectiva en el tratamiento, y la descompresión microvascular está reservada para casos refractarios al tratamiento médico, con resolución completa entre el 85 al 93%. En este artículo, se resumen las principales características anatomo-clínicas, fisiopatológicas, y una descripción detallada de la descompresión microvascular como mejor opción terapéutica.

Abstract Hemifacial spasm is characterized by tonic-clonic contractions of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve. It is caused by compression of the facial nerve by a blood vessel, which usually is the anterior inferior cerebellar artery or the veins of the cerebello-pontine angle. It typically appears spontaneously, caused by emotional tension and fatigue, and it's reduced during rest. Likewise, it presents between the ages of 13 and 77 years, with a median duration of symptoms of eight years. Treatment with local botulinum toxin injection can be effective, and the Microvascular decompression is reserved for cases that are refractory to medical treatment, resulting in full spasm resolution in 85 to 93% of patients. This article summarizes the main anatomic-clinical and physio-pathological characteristics of hemifacial spasms. Additionally, a detailed description of microvascular decompression as the best therapeutic option is described in detail.

Asistencia Endoscópica en la Descompresión Microquirúrgica del Hemiespasmo Facial / Endoscopic Assistance in Microsurgical Decompression of Facial Hemiespasm

Introducción: El hemiespasmo facial primario (HFP) se produce por la hiperexcitabilidad del nervio facial y sus núcleos de origen como consecuencia de la compresión vascular. La cirugía de descompresión neurovascular se plantea como alternativa al tratamiento médico refractario. Objetivos: Presentar nuestra experiencia respecto a esta patología. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de pacientes operados por HPF refractarios a tratamiento médico en nuestra institución en los últimos 5 años (periodo 2014-2019). Todos fueron intervenidos vía retrosigmoidea. Se evaluaron datos demográficos, evaluación prequirúrgica y evolución postoperatoria. Resultados: Se operaron 4 pacientes bajo técnica microquirúrgica asistido por endoscopía. Edad promedio 52 años (rango 41-61) con una relación femenino masculino 3:1. El 25% (n=1) presentaba paresia facial grado 2 (HB) en el prequirúrgico. No hubo cambios en cuanto al grado de paresia facial en el postoperatorio en ningún caso. Sólo un paciente registró caída leve en la audiometría postquirúrgica. El 75% (n=3) resolvieron el HFP. Conclusión: Si bien nuestra serie es acotada a un número reducido de pacientes, la cirugía descompresiva microvascular es efectiva como alternativa al tratamiento médico refractario del HFP.

Introduction: Primary hemifacial spasm (PHS) is defined as the hyper excitability of the nerve due to the compression of the facial nerve or its nuclei, most commonly by a vascular structure. The surgical indication for microvascular decompression is resistance to pharmacological treatment or severe adverse effects. Objectives: To present our experience in the surgical treatment of this pathology with this novel technique. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients (n=4) with a diagnosis of PHS, who underwent endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression surgery in our institution during the last 5 years. In all the cases, we choose the retrosigmoid approach. We evaluated demographic data, preoperative evaluation, and post-operative evolution. Results: Endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression was the surgical technique in all the patients. The median age was 52 years, the female-male ratio of 3:1. Only one patient presented a grade 2 facial palsy (House-Brackmann scale) in the preoperative evaluation; there were no significant changes in the post-operative evaluation in any patient. Only one patient experienced worsening in the post-operative audiometric follow-up. The 75% (n=3) of the patients solved the HFP after the surgical treatment. Conclusion: By taking into account our experience in this small case series, we can support the concept that endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression is as effective as the open surgical treatment of the PHS.

Neuralgia del trigémino: aspectos clínicos y terapéuticos / Trigeminal neuralgia: clinical and therapeutic aspects

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La neuralgia del trigémino produce una gran limitación en la calidad de vida de los pacientes que sufren esta condición. Es necesario un adecuado conocimiento de sus características clínicas para diferenciarla de otras causas de dolor facial que son más frecuentes y evitar tratamientos innecesarios e irreversibles como las extracciones dentales. OBJETIVO: describir los aspectos más importantes en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los pacientes con neuralgia del trigémino. METODOLOGÍA: Revisión narrativa. DESARROLLO: La neuralgia del trigémino se caracteriza por presentar episodios recurrentes de dolor facial unilateral, severo, breve y penetrante que sigue la distribución del nervio trigémino. Existe una forma clásica en la que se reconoce contacto vascular sobre el nervio trigémino, una forma idiopática sin etiología conocida y una forma secundaria debido a condiciones como la esclerosis múltiple, tumores, malformaciones arteriovenosas, entre otras. El diagnóstico se basa principalmente en las características clínicas, aunque la resonancia magnética es una ayuda en casos seleccionados. La carbamazepina y la oxcarbazepina son la primera línea del tratamiento, mientras que otros medicamentos con menor nivel de evidencia hacen parte de la segunda línea de tratamiento. Para los casos refractarios existen alternativas quirúrgicas, entras las que se encuentra la descompresión microvascular, la rizotomía percutánea por radiofrecuencia, la rizotomía percutánea con glicerol, la compresión percutánea con balón y la radiocirugía estereotáxica. CONCLUSIONES: El abordaje de la neuralgia del trigémino requiere conocer sus características clínicas y elegir el tratamiento más adecuado para el paciente mediante un trabajo multidisciplinario.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Trigeminal neuralgia produces a great limitation in the quality of life of patients suffering from this condition. It is necessary an adequate knowledge of its clinical characteristics to differentiate it from other causes of facial pain that are more frequent and to avoid unnecessary and irreversible treatments such as tooth extraction. OBJECTIVE: To describe the most important aspects in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with trigeminal neuralgia. METHODOLOGY: Narrative review. DEVELOPMENT: Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by recurrent episodes of unilateral, severe, brief, and penetrating facial pain that follows the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. There is a classic form in which vascular contact is recognized on the trigeminal nerve, an idiopathic form without known etiology and a secondary form due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis, tumors, arteriovenous malformations, among others. The diagnosis is based mainly on the clinical characteristics, although magnetic resonance imaging is an aid in selected cases. Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are the first line of treatment, while other medications with a lower level of evidence are part of the second line of treatment. For refractory cases, there are surgical alternatives, among which is microvascular decompression, percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy, percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy, percutaneous balloon compression, and stereotactic radiosurgery. CONCLUSIONS: The approach of trigeminal neuralgia requires knowing its clinical characteristics and choosing the most appropriate treatment for the patient through multidisciplinary work.

Minimally invasive asterional approach for microvascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic disorder that can be treated surgically. This study aimed to present the surgical findings and the clinical outcomes of 26 patients with TN treated by minimally invasive asterional surgery. METHODS: Longitudinal descriptive study. Twenty-six patients with TN underwent minimally invasive asterional surgery. The medical history, surgical findings, therapeutic response, and complications were registered. They were followed for 36 months. RESULTS: Nineteen cases were associated with vascular compression; five were associated with arachnoiditis. The two remaining cases were associated with multiple sclerosis and post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain was substantially reduced in all patients in the immediate postoperative period. At 36 months, in 25 patients, total or acceptable pain control was achieved. In the long term, 22 patients evolved with no permanent complications. CONCLUSION: The microvascular decompression surgery by an asterional approach is an alternative with similar results to the classic retrosigmoid approach to treat TN, but that adds the benefits of the principles of minimally invasive surgery. Constant efforts need to be made to optimize minimally invasive surgical techniques for TN.

[Abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para descompresión microvascular en neuralgia del trigémino].

OBJECTIVE: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic disorder that can be treated surgically. This study aimed to present the surgical findings and the clinical outcomes of 26 patients with TN treated by minimally invasive asterional surgery. METHODS: Longitudinal descriptive study. Twenty-six patients with TN underwent minimally invasive asterional surgery. The medical history, surgical findings, therapeutic response, and complications were registered. They were followed for 36 months. RESULTS: Nineteen cases were associated with vascular compression; five were associated with arachnoiditis. The two remaining cases were associated with multiple sclerosis and post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain was substantially reduced in all patients in the immediate postoperative period. At 36 months, in 25 patients, total or acceptable pain control was achieved. In the long term, 22 patients evolved with no permanent complications. CONCLUSION: The microvascular decompression surgery by an asterional approach is an alternative with similar results to the classic retrosigmoid approach to treat TN, but that adds the benefits of the principles of minimally invasive surgery. Constant efforts need to be made to optimize minimally invasive surgical techniques for TN.

OBJETIVO: La neuralgia del trigémino (NT) es un trastorno neuropático susceptible de tratamiento quirúrgico. El objetivo es presentar los hallazgos quirúrgicos y resultados obtenidos en 26 pacientes con NT, tratados mediante un abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para descompresión vascular trigeminal. MÉTODOS: Estudio longitudinal descriptivo. Se intervino mediante abordaje asterional a 26 pacientes. Se registró el historial médico, hallazgos quirúrgicos, respuesta al tratamiento y complicaciones. Se les dio seguimiento durante 36 meses. RESULTADOS: Diecinueve casos se asociaron a compresión vascular, cinco casos a aracnoiditis y los dos restantes se relacionaron con esclerosis múltiple y neuralgia postherpética. El dolor se controló significativamente en todos los pacientes durante el postoperatorio inmediato. A 36 meses de seguimiento, en 25 pacientes se alcanzó un control total o aceptable del dolor. A largo plazo 22 pacientes evolucionaron sin complicaciones permanentes. CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía de descompresión microvascular a través de un abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para el tratamiento de la NT es una alternativa con resultados similares al abordaje retrosigmoideo clásico, pero que suma las bondades de una técnica quirúrgica que se rige con los principios de la mínima invasión. Se requieren esfuerzos constantes para optimizar las técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la NT.

Abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para descompresión microvascular en neuralgia del trigémino / Minimally invasive asterional approach for microvascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia

Resumen Objetivo: La neuralgia del trigémino (NT) es un trastorno neuropático susceptible de tratamiento quirúrgico. El objetivo es presentar los hallazgos quirúrgicos y resultados obtenidos en 26 pacientes con NT, tratados mediante un abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para descompresión vascular trigeminal. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal descriptivo. Se intervino mediante abordaje asterional a 26 pacientes. Se registró el historial médico, hallazgos quirúrgicos, respuesta al tratamiento y complicaciones. Se les dio seguimiento durante 36 meses. Resultados: Diecinueve casos se asociaron a compresión vascular, cinco casos a aracnoiditis y los dos restantes se relacionaron con esclerosis múltiple y neuralgia postherpética. El dolor se controló significativamente en todos los pacientes durante el postoperatorio inmediato. A 36 meses de seguimiento, en 25 pacientes se alcanzó un control total o aceptable del dolor. A largo plazo 22 pacientes evolucionaron sin complicaciones permanentes. Conclusiones: La cirugía de descompresión microvascular a través de un abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para el tratamiento de la NT es una alternativa con resultados similares al abordaje retrosigmoideo clásico, pero que suma las bondades de una técnica quirúrgica que se rige con los principios de la mínima invasión. Se requieren esfuerzos constantes para optimizar las técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la NT.

Abstract Objective: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic disorder that can be treated surgically. This study aimed to present the surgical findings and the clinical outcomes of 26 patients with TN treated by minimally invasive asterional surgery. Methods: Longitudinal descriptive study. Twenty-six patients with TN underwent minimally invasive asterional surgery. The medical history, surgical findings, therapeutic response, and complications were registered. They were followed for 36 months. Results: Nineteen cases were associated with vascular compression; five were associated with arachnoiditis. The two remaining cases were associated with multiple sclerosis and post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain was substantially reduced in all patients in the immediate postoperative period. At 36 months, in 25 patients, total or acceptable pain control was achieved. In the long term, 22 patients evolved with no permanent complications. Conclusion: The microvascular decompression surgery by an asterional approach is an alternative with similar results to the classic retrosigmoid approach to treat TN, but that adds the benefits of the principles of minimally invasive surgery. Constant efforts need to be made to optimize minimally invasive surgical techniques for TN.

Microvascular decompression of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery for intermediate nerve neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: Intermediate nerve neuralgia (INN) is an extremely rare craniofacial pain disorder mainly caused by neurovascular compression. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 48-year-old female with a 20-month history of intractable paroxysmal INN on the right side. The patient described feeling paroxysmal pain in her auditory canal, pinna, deep in the jaw, and adjacent retromastoid area on the right side. She described the pain as being like a burning sensation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed the right posterior cerebellar artery crossing the cerebellopontine cistern in close contact with the right VII and VIII nerves. Surgical exploration via retromastoid craniotomy revealed vascular compression of the intermediate nerve by the posterior cerebellar artery. We therefore performed microvascular nerve decompression to relieve pain, and the patient remained pain-free at the 6-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: INN should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases with atypical facial neuralgia, and microvascular decompression is an effective treatment option that can provide optimal pain relief.

What has changed in brachial plexus surgery?

Brachial plexus injuries, in all their severity and complexity, have been extensively studied. Although brachial plexus injuries are associated with serious and often definitive sequelae, many concepts have changed since the 1950s, when this pathological condition began to be treated more aggressively. Looking back over the last 20 years, it can be seen that the entire approach, from diagnosis to treatment, has changed significantly. Some concepts have become better established, while others have been introduced; thus, it can be said that currently, something can always be offered in terms of functional recovery, regardless of the degree of injury. Advances in microsurgical techniques have enabled improved results after neurolysis and have made it possible to perform neurotization, which has undoubtedly become the greatest differential in treating brachial plexus injuries. Improvements in imaging devices and electrical studies have allowed quick decisions that are reflected in better surgical outcomes. In this review, we intend to show the many developments in brachial plexus surgery that have significantly changed the results and have provided hope to the victims of this serious injury.