Effect of Previous Herpes Zoster on Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation of Gasserian Ganglion for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and complications of patients with trigeminal neuralgia who underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation of gasserian ganglion with and without previous herpes zoster. Materials and Methods:The authors analyzed 269 patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated by radiofrequency thermocoagulation of gasserian ganglion in Xinhua hospital between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012. A total of 37 patients were secondary to herpes zoster (group I), and 232 patients were primary to trigeminal neuralgia (group II). Clinical outcome data evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring and postoperative complications were obtained immediate postoperative, 3 months after operation, and 6 months after operation. Follow-up data were collected from patients when they received reexamination at clinic. Results:In group I and group II, the pain VAS scoring were 0.82±1.26, 0.64±1.52 immediately postoperative, 2.26±2.42, 1.35±2.25 3 months postoperative, 3.85±2.11, and 2.02±1.83 6 months postoperative, respectively. No significant difference in satisfaction score between the 2 groups was observed at the immediate postoperative (P>0.05), 3 months after operation (P<0.05), significant difference was observed at 6 months after operation (P<0.05). No significant differences in postoperative complications were noted between the 2 groups. Conclusions:Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the gasserian ganglion is an effective and safe procedure for patients of trigeminal neuralgia. Secondary trigeminal neuralgia is inferior to primary in long-term curative effect.