Chang Gung medical journal
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Percutaneous radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy offers high rates of complete pain relief for classic idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. When performed under fluoroscopy, it may cause anxiety for an inexperienced neurosurgeon owing to lack of familiarity with the regional anatomy, lack of reliable landmarks on fluoroscopy, and perceived risks associated with inadvertent puncture of neurovascular structures near the foramen ovale. The purpose of this study is to describe a new procedure to maximize patient security and shorten operative time. ⋯ For percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy, three-dimensional image reconstruction provides for precise placement of the rhizotomy needle in a safe and timely manner, which improves patient comfort and shortens operative time.