[Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia by glycerol gangliolysis of the trigeminal ganglion].

Sixteen cases are reported treated with glycerol gangliolysis of Gasser's ganglion for trigeminal neuralgia. Glycerol was injected into Meckel's cavum from the percutaneous approach of Härtel with radiological monitoring. In the follow-up from 6 months to 2 years in 75% of cases no recurrence of neuralgia was observed. No complications were noted. The method seems to be particularly indicated in elderly patients and those with concomitant internal diseases in whom a decompressing operation in the area of the cerebellopontine angle is connected with greater risk.