Percutaneous radiofrequency Gasserian ganglion coagulation in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Fifty-three patients with trigeminal neuralgia were treated with percutaneous radiofrequency Gasserian ganglion coagulation. An individually adjusted degree of coagulation was applied. The procedure was successful in 45 patients (85%). The median follow-up was two years; only two of the remaining 45 patients had relapse of symptoms. Four patients experienced side effects consisting of troublesome facial dysaesthesia. Our data indicate that percutaneous radiofrequency coagulation of the Gasserian ganglion is a safe and reliable procedure in the treatment of medication resistant trigeminal neuralgia.