scholarly journals Comparison of microvascular decompression and two isocenters gamma knife for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia caused by vertebrobasilar compression

Author(s):  
Zhen Zhao ◽  
Songshan Chai ◽  
Jiajing Wang ◽  
Xiaobing Jiang ◽  
Chuansheng Nie ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is one of the uncommon causes of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The main surgical treatments for TN caused by VBD (VBD-TN) are invasive microvascular decompression (MVD) and mini-invasive Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). However, the therapeutic effects of the two methods have not been clinically reported, so this study evaluated the outcomes of MVD and GKRS for patients with VBD-TN.Methods: The retrospective study of patients diagnosed with VBD-TN in Wuhan Union Hospital was performed from March 2011 to March 2019. A total of 80 patients were included in this study, and they were divided into the MVD group (n = 46) and GKRS group (n = 34) according to the surgical methods. Among patients in the GKRS group, all performed by two isocenters gamma knife. The imaging data, intraoperative findings, outcomes, and complications of the two groups were analyzed and compared.Results: Patients who underwent MVD were younger than patients who underwent GKRS (median ages were 61.1 and 65.4 years old, p=0.03). The average follow-up was 61.1 months for the MVD group and was 56.8 months for the GKRS group. The favorable outcomes (BNI score I-II) occurred in 97.8% of patients treated with MVD and in 78.9% of patients treated with GKRS (P=0.009). The favorable outcomes in the percentage of patients after MVD 1,3,5 and 7 years were 95.7%, 85.1%, 74.2%, and 74.2%. The corresponding percentages after GKRS were 76.5%, 66.2%, 56.6% and 47.2%, respectively (P=0.031). The postoperative complications (except facial numbness) in the MVD group were higher than those in the GKRS group (P=0.036), but the incidence of new and worsening facial numbness was higher in the GKRS group (P<0.001).Conclusions: For VBD-TN, MVD is superior to GKRS in obtaining and maintaining favorable outcomes, but it also comes with more complications other than facial sensation. Treatment choice can be tailored to a patient’s unique condition and wishes.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Zhao ◽  
SongShan Chai ◽  
JiaJing Wang ◽  
XiaoBing Jiang ◽  
ChuanSheng Nie ◽  
...  

Background: Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is one of the rare causes of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The common surgical treatments for patients with TN caused by VBD (VBD-TN) are microvascular decompression (MVD) and Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). However, the therapeutic effects of the two methods have not been clinically compared, so this study was performed to evaluate the treatment outcomes of MVD and GKRS for patients with VBD-TN.Methods: The retrospective study was performed from March 2011 to March 2019 in Wuhan Union Hospital. A total of 80 patients diagnosed with VBD-TN were included in this study, and they were divided into the MVD group (n = 46) and GKRS group (n = 34) according to the surgical methods. The imaging data, intraoperative findings, treatment outcomes, and complications of the two groups were analyzed and compared. Meanwhile, the influencing factors of the treatment effect are also explored on the two groups.Results: Patients who underwent MVD were younger than patients who underwent GKRS (median ages were 61.1 and 65.4 years old, respectively, p = 0.03). The median follow-up was 61.1 months for the MVD group and 56.8 months for the GKRS group. The favorable outcomes [Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain score, BNI scores I–II] occurred in 97.8% of patients treated with MVD and in 78.9% of patients treated with GKRS (p = 0.009). The favorable outcomes in the percentage of patients after MVD 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were 95.7, 85.1, 74.2, and 74.2%, respectively, whereas the corresponding percentages after GKRS were 76.5, 66.2, 56.6, and 47.2%, respectively (p = 0.031). The postoperative complications (except facial numbness) in the MVD group were higher than those in the GKRS group (p = 0.036), but the incidence of new and worsening facial numbness was lower in the GKRS group (p &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: MVD is superior to GKRS in obtaining and maintaining favorable outcomes for patients with VBD-TN, but it also comes with more complications other than facial numbness. Thus, the treatment program can be tailored to a patient's unique condition and wishes.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 879-888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuria E. Martínez Moreno ◽  
Jorge Gutiérrez-Sárraga ◽  
Germán Rey-Portolés ◽  
Adolfo Jiménez-Huete ◽  
Roberto Martínez Álvarez

Abstract BACKGROUND: Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is one of the alternatives for treatment for classical trigeminal neuralgia (TN). OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze long-term outcomes for TN using GKRS achieved at our institution. METHODS: One hundred seventeen patients with medically refractory TN treated by GKRS at our institution were followed up between 1993 and 2011. Mean maximum dose was 86.5 Gy (range: 80-90 Gy; median: 90 Gy). Clinical response was defined based on the Burchiel classification. We considered classes I and II as a complete response. For toxicity, we use the Barrow Neurological Institute facial numbness scale. Mean duration of follow-up was 66 months (range: 24-171 months). RESULTS: Complete response at last follow-up in our patients was 81%, with an excellent response while off medication in 52%. Pain-free rates without medication (class I) were 85% at 3 years (confidence interval [CI]: 78%-94%), 81% at 5 years (CI: 72%-91%), and 76% at 7 years (CI: 65%-90%). Complete response rates (classes I-II) were 91% at 3 years (CI: 86%-97%), 86% at 5 years (CI: 79%-93%), and 82% at 7 years (CI: 72%-93%). Poor treatment response rates differed significantly between patients who had undergone previous surgery and were refractory to management with medication prior to GKRS. New or worsening facial numbness was reported in 32.5% (30% score II and 2.5% score III). No anesthesia dolorosa was reported. Permanent recurrence pain rate was 12%. CONCLUSION: GKRS achieved favorable outcomes compared with surgery in terms of pain relief and complication rates in our cohort of patients, notwithstanding decreasing pain-free survival rates over time. We consider GKRS to be an initial treatment in the management of medically intractable TN in selected patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 1197-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devi Prasad Patra ◽  
Amey Rajan Savardekar ◽  
Rimal Hanif Dossani ◽  
Vinayak Narayan ◽  
Nasser Mohammed ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEGamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has emerged as a promising treatment modality for patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia (TN); however, considering that almost half of the patients experience post-GKRS failure or lesion recurrence, a repeat treatment is typically necessary. The existing literature does not offer clear evidence to establish which treatment modality, repeat GKRS or microvascular decompression (MVD), is superior. The present study aimed to compare the overall outcome of patients who have undergone either repeat GKRS or MVD after failure of their primary GKRS; the authors do so by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature and analysis of data from their own institution.METHODSThe authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases to identify studies describing patients who underwent either repeat GKRS or MVD after initial failed GKRS for TN. The primary outcomes were complete pain relief (CPR) and adequate pain relief (APR) at 1 year. The secondary outcomes were rate of postoperative facial numbness and the retreatment rate. The pooled data were analyzed with R software. Bias and heterogeneity were assessed using funnel plots and I2 tests, respectively. A retrospective analysis of a series of patients treated by the authors who underwent repeat GKRS or MVD after post-GKRS failure or relapse is presented.RESULTSA total of 22 studies met the selection criteria and were included for final data retrieval and meta-analysis. The search did not identify any study that had directly compared outcomes between patients who had undergone repeat GKRS versus those who had undergone MVD. Therefore, the authors’ final analysis included two groups: studies describing outcome after repeat GKRS (n = 17) and studies describing outcome after MVD (n = 5). The authors’ institutional study was the only study with direct comparison of the two cohorts. The pooled estimates of primary outcomes were APR in 83% of patients who underwent repeat GKRS and 88% of those who underwent MVD (p = 0.49), and CPR in 46% of patients who underwent repeat GKRS and 72% of those who underwent MVD (p = 0.02). The pooled estimates of secondary outcomes were facial numbness in 32% of patients who underwent repeat GKRS and 22% of those who underwent MVD (p = 0.11); the retreatment rate was 19% in patients who underwent repeat GKRS and 13% in those who underwent MVD (p = 0.74). The authors’ institutional study included 42 patients (repeat GKRS in 15 and MVD in 27), and the outcomes 1 year after retreatment were APR in 80% of those who underwent repeat GKRS and 81% in those who underwent MVD (p = 1.0); CPR was achieved in 47% of those who underwent repeat GKRS and 44% in those who underwent MVD (p = 1.0). There was no difference in the rate of postoperative facial numbness or retreatment.CONCLUSIONSThe current meta-analysis failed to identify any superiority of one treatment over the other with comparable outcomes in terms of APR, postoperative facial numbness, and retreatment rates. However, MVD was shown to provide a better chance of CPR compared with repeat GKRS.


2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond F. Sekula ◽  
Andrew M. Frederickson ◽  
Peter J. Jannetta ◽  
Sanjay Bhatia ◽  
Matthew R. Quigley

Object Stereotactic radiosurgical rhizolysis using Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) is an increasingly popular treatment for medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia. Because of the increasing use of GKS for trigeminal neuralgia, clinicians are faced with the problem of choosing a subsequent treatment plan if GKS fails. This study was conducted to identify whether microvascular decompression (MVD) is a safe and effective treatment for patients who experience trigeminal neuralgia symptoms after GKS. Methods From their records, the authors identified 29 consecutive patients who, over a 2-year period, underwent MVD following failed GKS. During MVD, data regarding thickened arachnoid, adhesions between vessels and the trigeminal nerve, and trigeminal nerve atrophy/discoloration were noted. Outcome and complication data were also recorded. Results The MVD procedure was completed in 28 patients (97%). Trigeminal nerve atrophy was noted in 14 patients (48%). A thickened arachnoid was noted in 1 patient (3%). Adhesions between vessels and the trigeminal nerve were noted in 6 patients (21%) and prevented MVD in 1 patient. At last follow-up, 15 patients (54%) reported an excellent outcome after MVD, 1 (4%) reported a good outcome, 2 (7%) reported a fair outcome, and 10 patients (36%) reported a poor outcome. After MVD, new or worsened facial numbness occurred in 6 patients (21%). Additionally, 3 patients (11%) developed new or worsened troubling dysesthesias. Conclusions Thickened arachnoid, adhesions between vessels and the trigeminal nerve, and trigeminal nerve atrophy/discoloration due to GKS did not prevent completion of MVD. An MVD is an appropriate and safe “rescue” therapy following GKS, although the risks of numbness and troubling dysesthesias appear to be higher than with MVD alone.


2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 162-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce E. Pollock ◽  
Robert L. Foote ◽  
Scott L. Stafford ◽  
Michael J. Link ◽  
Deborah A. Gorman ◽  
...  

Object. Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) is being increasing performed in the management of patients with medically unresponsive trigeminal neuralgia. The authors report the results of repeated GKS in patients with recurrent facial pain after their initial procedure. Methods. Between April 1997 and December 1999, 100 patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia underwent GKS at the authors' center. To date, 26 patients have required additional surgery because GKS provided no significant pain relief (15 patients) or because they had recurrent facial pain (11 patients). Ten of these patients underwent repeated GKS at a median of 13 months (range 4–27 months). All patients undergoing repeated GKS had a significant reduction in their facial pain after the first procedure (eight were pain free); no patient developed facial numbness or paresthesias. Initially, nine of 10 patients became pain free 1 to 4 weeks following repeated GKS. At a median follow up of 15 months (range 3–32 months), eight patients remained pain free and required no medication. All eight patients with persistent pain relief developed minor neurological dysfunction after repeated GKS (six patients had facial numbness and two had paresthesias). Conclusions. Repeated GKS can be associated with a high rate of pain relief for patients with trigeminal neuralgia who experienced a significant reduction in their facial pain after the first operation. However, every patient with sustained pain relief after the second operation also developed some degree of trigeminal dysfunction. These findings of improved pain relief for patients who develop facial numbness after GKS for trigeminal neuralgia support the experimental data currently available.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer L. Elaimy ◽  
Peter W. Hanson ◽  
Wayne T. Lamoreaux ◽  
Alexander R. Mackay ◽  
John J. Demakas ◽  
...  

Since its introduction by Leksell, Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has become increasingly popular as a management approach for patients diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). For this reason, we performed a modern review of the literature analyzing the efficacy of GKRS in the treatment of patients who suffer from TN. For patients with medically refractory forms of the condition, GKRS has proven to be an effective initial and repeat treatment option. Cumulative research suggests that patients treated a single time with GKRS exhibit similar levels of facial pain control when compared to patients treated multiple times with GKRS. However, patients treated on multiple occasions with GKRS are more likely to experience facial numbness and other facial sensory changes when compared to patients treated once with GKRS. Although numerous articles have reported MVD to be superior to GKRS in achieving facial pain relief, the findings of these comparison studies are weakened by the vast differences in patient age and comorbidities between the two studied groups and cannot be considered conclusive. Questions remain regarding optimal GKRS dosing and targeting strategies, which warrants further investigation into this controversial matter.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 536-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew G. Shetter ◽  
C. Leland Rogers ◽  
Francisco Ponce ◽  
Jeffrey A. Fiedler ◽  
Kris Smith ◽  
...  

Object. Pain may fail to respond or may recur after initial gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The authors examined their experience with performing a second GKS procedure in these patients. Methods. Twenty-nine patients underwent repeated GKS for TN at our institution between March 1997 and March 2002. Questionnaires were mailed to patients to assess the degree of their pain relief and the extent of facial numbness. Nineteen patients responded. All patients underwent repeated GKS involving a single 4-mm isocenter directed at the trigeminal nerve as it exited the brainstem (mean maximum dose 23.2 Gy). At a mean follow up of 13.5 months after the second procedure, 10 patients (53%) were pain free and medication free. Four patients (21%) were pain free but elected to continue medication in reduced dose, and two patients (11%) had incomplete but satisfactory pain control and were still taking medication. There was new-onset facial numbness in eight patients (42%), rated as tolerable in all instances. Conclusions. Patients with facial numbness had a greater likelihood of being pain free than those with no sensory loss. The authors observed no cases of corneal anesthesia, keratitis, or deafferentation pain.


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