Effectiveness of Percutaneous Radiofrequency Rhizotomy for Typical Trigeminal Neuralgia (TGN) (Single institutional study of 120 cases)

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of radiofrequency rhizotomy (RFR) after failure of medical treatment. Study Design: Prospective, non-randomized experimental study. Settings: Department of neurosurgery unit 3 PINS Lahore General Hospital Lahore-Pakistan. Duration: 2 Years with 6 months follow up. Methodology: It involved 120 cases of both genders between 41 to 65 year of age with diagnosis of TGN according to operational definition. All the patients were assessed clinically and radiologically pre operatively and followed post operatively. Results: Out of 120 patients included in this study,34 (28.3%) were males and 86 (71.6%) were females. Most of the patients were aged between 55 to 60 years (43.3%) with mean age 55.86 years. The duration of pain ranged from 6 months to 9 years with a mean of 2.4 years. The pain relief was observed in 97% of cases in 6 months follow up. Conclusion: Radio Frequency Rhizotomy is an extremely effective, safe and minimal invasive treatment modality for TGN.