Surgical Outcomes of Revision Microvascular Decompression for Persistent or Recurrent Hemifacial Spasm After Surgery: Analysis of Radiologic and Intraoperative Findings.

OBJECTIVES: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the treatment of choice for hemifacial spasm (HFS), due to the high rate of complete resolution associated with MVD. However, some patients experience recurrent or persistent symptoms after surgery. In this study, we evaluated the causes of recurrence or failure based on our surgical experience with revision of MVD for HFS and analyzed the relationship between surgical outcomes and radiologic and intraoperative findings.

METHODS: Among more than 2500 patients who underwent MVD surgery for HFS, 23 patients received a second MVD in our hospital from January 2002 to December 2017. Three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography and reconstructed imaging were used to identify the culprit vessel and its conflict on the root exit zone (REZ) of the facial nerve. We reviewed patients' medical records and operation videos to identify the missing points of first surgery.

RESULTS: In our experience with revision of MVD, 8 patients had incomplete decompression, such as single-vessel decompression of multiple offending vessels. Teflon was not detected at the REZ but was found in other locations in 12 patients. Three patients had severe adhesion with previous Teflon around the REZ. Nineteen patients had excellent surgical outcomes at immediate postoperative evaluation; 20 patients showed spasm disappearance at 1 year after surgery and 3 patients showed persistent symptoms. Neurovascular contacts around the REZ of the facial nerve were revealed on magnetic resonance imaging of incomplete decompression and Teflon malposition patient groups. There were no clear neurovascular contacts in the patients with severe Teflon adhesion.

CONCLUSIONS: The decision regarding secondary MVD for persistent or recurrent spasm is troubling. However, if neurovascular contact was observed in the MRI of the patient and there were offending vessels, the surgical outcome might be favorable.