Retrolabyrinthine selective posterior root section of the trigeminal nerve for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Patients frequently consult otolaryngologists for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Retrolabyrinthine selective posterior root section of the fifth cranial nerve effectively and permanently eliminates pain from areas supplied by this nerve without the production of annoying anesthesia dolorosa. The procedure is performed by the neurotologist and causes minimum morbidity. The results of this surgery in 106 patients are reviewed and demonstrate that the procedure provides lasting relief from intractable pain from a variety of conditions whose innervation is the Vth cranial nerve as well as trigeminal neuralgia. The surgical technique and long-term results are described.