Long-term Follow-up of Patients Treated with Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation via the Foramen Rotundum for Isolated Maxillary Nerve Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PRT) via the foramen rotundum (FR) for the treatment of isolated maxillary (V2) idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN) and assess the appropriate puncture angle through the anterior coronoid process to reach the FR.

METHODS: Between January 2011 and October 2016, 87 patients with V2 ITN refractory to conservative treatment were treated by computed tomography (CT)-guided PRT via the FR at our institution. The outcome of pain relief was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) and Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain grade and grouped as complete pain relief (BNI grades I-III) or unsuccessful pain relief (BNI grades IV-V). Recurrence and complications were also monitored and recorded. The puncture angle for this novel approach was assessed based on intraoperative CT images.

RESULTS: Of the 87 treated patients, 85 (97.7%) achieved complete pain relief, and two patients (2.3%) experienced unsuccessful pain relief immediately after operation. During the mean follow-up period of 44.3 months, 15 patients (17.2%) experienced recurring pain. No severe complications occurred, except for hypoesthesia restricted to the V2 distribution in all patients (100%) and facial hematoma in 10 patients (11.5%). The mean puncture angle to reach the FR was 33.6° ± 5.7° toward the sagittal plane.

DISCUSSION: CT-guided PRT via the FR for refractory isolated V2 ITN is effective and safe and could be a rational therapy for patients with V2 ITN.