Are peripheral neurectomies of value in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia? An analysis of new cases and cases involving previous radiofrequency gasserian thermocoagulation.

The indications, advantages, complications, and benefits of peripheral neurectomy in patients with trigeminal neuralgia were studied in detail in 40 patients treated between 1982 and 1991. Twenty-eight patients had previously received radiofrequency thermocoagulation: peripheral neurectomy was performed for pain recurrence. These patients had excellent or good pain relief for at least 5 years postsurgery. Of the 12 patients who had peripheral neurectomy as their only procedure, seven had an excellent result and five had a good result. Five of the patients had recurrence of pain after 2 years but responded well to a second neurectomy. Elderly patients who experienced pain in the first and second divisions of the trigeminal distributions were the best candidates. Peripheral neurectomy is an effective, safe procedure for elderly patients who suffer from trigeminal neuralgia and have a limited life span.