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Microvascular decompression for glossopharyngeal neuralgia: a long-term retrospectic review of the Milan-Bologna experience in 31 consecutive cases

  • Clinical Article
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Abstract

Objective

To examine surgical findings and results of microvascular decompression (MVD) for glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN).

Methods

Between 1990 and 2007, 31 consecutive patients affected by drug-resistant GN underwent MVD through a retromastoid keyhole in the supine position with the head rotated to the opposite side. A retrospective analysis was performed that paid particular attention to the relationship among surgical technique, pain control and side effects.

Results

A vascular compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve was found in all cases. Twenty-eight out of 31 patients (90.3%) were found to be pain free without medication at long-term follow-up (1–17 years, mean 7.5 years). Three patients (9.7%) were found to require medication to control pain paroxysms that were less frequent and less severe than those observed preoperatively. Two patients required repeated surgery for a drug-resistant recurrence of pain for a total of 33 MVDs. We observed no mortality and did not find any long-term surgical morbidity. Cranial nerve impairment, when observed, always resolved in the following months.

Conclusions

MVD is a safe and effective treatment for GN in patients of all ages.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy

    Paolo Ferroli, Marco Schiariti, Giovanni Tringali, Angelo Franzini & Giovanni Broggi

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy

    Antonio Fioravanti & Fabio Calbucci

Authors
  1. Paolo Ferroli
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  2. Antonio Fioravanti
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  3. Marco Schiariti
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  4. Giovanni Tringali
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  5. Angelo Franzini
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  6. Fabio Calbucci
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  7. Giovanni Broggi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Paolo Ferroli.

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Ferroli, P., Fioravanti, A., Schiariti, M. et al. Microvascular decompression for glossopharyngeal neuralgia: a long-term retrospectic review of the Milan-Bologna experience in 31 consecutive cases. Acta Neurochir 151, 1245–1250 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0330-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0330-5

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