J Korean Pain Soc.  1997 May;10(1):82-85.

Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation of the Gasserian Ganglion

• Kim TS
• Jung SJ
• Kim HS
• Kim KM

Abstract

Destruction of the gasserian ganglion can be carried out by creating a radiofrequency lesion under biplanar fluoroscopic guidance, This procedure is reserved for patients who have failed various inter- ventions for intractable trigeminal neuralgia including retro-gasserian injection of glycerol and whose physical status otherwise precludes more invasive neuro-surgical treatments such as microvascular de- compression. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the gasserian ganglion provides a safe method of achieving long-standing relief from trigeminal neuralgia with low risk. This technique is currently emerging worldwide as the surgical treatment of choice for trigeminal neuralgia. Recently we performed a successful radiofrequency gasserian ganglionotomy, without any complication, under fluoroscopic gui- dance. The procedure was successful and complete pain relief was achieved for a patient who already had treatments of various interventions including microvascular decompression but never experienced pain relief.

Keyword

Anesthetic techniques, radiofrequency thermocoagulation, gasserian ganglion; Pain, trigeminal neuralgia

MeSH Terms

Electrocoagulation*
Glycerol
Humans
Microvascular Decompression Surgery
Trigeminal Ganglion*
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Glycerol