Clinical Impact of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention Combined with Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for Treating Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation is the foremost minimally invasive approach for treating primary trigeminal neuralgia. However, postoperative complications may arise, necessitating tailored clinical care to enhance patient compliance and mitigate surgical risks.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the impact of comprehensive nursing intervention combined with percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation on the management of primary trigeminal neuralgia in elderly patients.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis was conducted.

SETTING

The study was conducted at the Department of Pain Management, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 126 elderly patients diagnosed with primary trigeminal neuralgia underwent percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation at our hospital between June 2019 and August 2022. They were enrolled as an observation cohort and randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group, with 63 patients in each.

INTERVENTION: The control group received standard nursing care, while the intervention group received comprehensive nursing interventions.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The study assessed (1) negative emotional changes, (2) postoperative status, (3) complications, and (4) quality of life.

RESULTS

After the nursing care, the intervention group exhibited significantly lower anxiety and depression scores compared to the control group (P < .05). Additionally, the intervention group had reduced length of hospital stay and pain scores, along with higher nursing satisfaction scores, relative to the control group (P < .05). There was a significant difference in the total complication rate between the two groups (P < .05), with the intervention group experiencing fewer complications. Moreover, the quality of life scores were significantly higher in the intervention group (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive nursing intervention alongside percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation in elderly patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia can decrease complication rates and enhance treatment confidence. These findings support the clinical adoption and dissemination of such interventions.