Background: Percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation through the foramen
rotundum (FR) is a new approach for the treatment of V2 trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the FR approach with
that of the foramen ovale (FO) approach.
Study Design: Nonrandomized controlled clinical trial.
Setting: The study was conducted at Huaian Hospital of Huaian City, Huaian, China.
Methods: From July 2014 to December 2016, 80 consecutive patients with V2 TN were
prospectively assigned into the FO group (n = 40) or the FR group (n = 40). All radiofrequency
thermocoagulation procedures were performed under the guidance of digital subtraction
angiography (DSA). Patients in the FO group were treated with Gasserian ganglion ablation
through the Hartel approach. Patients in the FR group received ablation of the maxillary nerve
at the internal opening of the FR. Facial pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale
preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year.
Results: All surgical procedures were successfully completed using DSA guidance. The FR
group had no facial pain at postoperative 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year. The facial fain
was not relieved in 4 patients of the FO group. They were treated with radiofrequency
thermocoagulation of the maxillary nerve through the FR and maintained painless at
postoperative 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year. At postoperative 1 year, another 3 patients
relapsed in the FO group. The incidences of facial numbness and swelling did not differ
significantly between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). There was no postoperative corneal
involvement or masticatory weakness in the FR group. However, corneal involvement and
masticatory weakness occurred postoperatively in 22 (55%) patients and 31 (77.5%) patients
in the FO group. The FR group had significantly shorter operation time than the FO group
(19.3 ± 5.9 vs. 32.7 ± 8.7 minutes; P < 0.05).
Limitations: We were unable to avoid the V1 and V3 branches, despite multiple adjustments
of the needed position in 35 of the 40 patients in this group.
Conclusions: For the treatment of V2 TN, thermocoagulation of the maxillary nerve
through the FR had better efficacy and fewer complications in comparison with the Gasserian
ganglion ablation through the FO