Retrospective analysis on pulse radiofrequency of trigeminal ganglion via foramen ovale for treatment of atypical facial pain under the guidance of CT

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulse radiofrequency of trigeminal ganglion via foramen ovale for treatment of atypical facial pain (AFP) under the guidance of CT.  Methods A total of 37 patients with AFP underwent pulse radiofrequency of trigeminal ganglion via foramen ovale through Hartel anterior approach under the guidance of CT. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the degree of pain before and 1 d, 7 d, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months after treatment. The rates of complete relief, excellent effect and good effect were calculated, and postoperative complications were recorded.  Results The success rate of operation was 100%. During 6-month follow-up, one case was lost, 36 cases finished follow-up. There was significant difference in VAS scores before and after operation (H = 89.784, P = 0.000). Compared with before treatment, VAS scores at 1 d (Z = -5.255, P = 0.000), 7 d (Z = -5.258, P = 0.000), 1 month (Z = -5.255, P = 0.000), 3 months (Z = -5.249, P = 0.000) and 6 months (Z = -5.121, P = 0.000) after treatment were significantly decreased. The rate of complete pain relief at 1 d, 7 d, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment was 25% (9/36), 22.22% (8/36), 19.44% (7/36), 19.44% (7/36) and 16.67% (6/36); the rate of excellent effect at 1 d, 7 d, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment was 80.56% (29/36), 77.78% (28/36), 72.22% (26/36), 69.44% (25/36) and 63.89% (23/36); the rate of good effect at 1 d, 7 d, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment was 88.89% (32/36), 88.89% (32/36), 86.11% (31/36), 86.11% (31/36) and 80.56% (29/36), respectively. After treatment, there were 2 cases (5.56%) of transient nausea and vomiting, 3 cases (8.33%) of facial swelling and 2 cases (5.56% ) of mild facial numbness. Those symptoms were relieved spontaneously.  Conclusions Pulse radiofrequency of trigeminal ganglion via foramen ovale for treatment of AFP under the guidance of CT is effective and safe.

DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2018.09.005