[Percutaneous radiofrequency coagulation in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia using a new trigeminal nerve stereoguide].

The authors designed a new stereotactic frame for percutaneous radiofrequency coagulation in treatment of tic douloureux. During operation it is fixed on patient's skull with three screws. The position of the foramen ovale is calculated from lateral and axial radiogram and defined with X, Y and Z coordinates. Then the radiologic electrode can be introduced from the cheek through the foramen ovale to the Gasserion ganglion and the retroganglionary rootlets. After thermo-coagulation at 70 degrees-75 degrees c, for 2-3 minutes, 42 patients had good effect immediately. There was no complication. The follow-up time varied from 6-19 months (average 13 months). Pain recurrence were found in two cases (4.7%).