Microvascular Decompression for Idiopathic Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia in Patients Over 75 Years of Age.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, the authors appraised the results of microvascular decompression in patients over 75 years of age.

METHODS

From June 2009 to June 2013, a number of 108 aged patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia experienced microvascular decompression. The authors present a retrospective review of medical records and compared the results with those of a control group of 302 younger patients.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 3 years. No statistically marked differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of rate of pain control, recurrences, complications. The duration of operation in the elderly group was markedly shorter than that in the younger group.

CONCLUSION

Microvascular decompression is a liable and safe surgical method for aged patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia. Unless the aged patients cannot bear general anesthesia, they should have the chance to select microvascular decompression.