How to deal with the superior petrosal vein in microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia?

Abstract

Objective: How to manage the superior petrosal vein (SPV) obstructing the operative field during microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) remains controversial. The authors aimed to evaluate the safety profile of a specific SPV division technique used during MVD for TN.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included patients who underwent first-time MVD for medically refractory TN from 2005 to 2025 at a single center. When the SPV obstructed the operative field, it was coagulated at its main trunk near the entry site into the superior petrosal sinus, maintaining venous crossflow through its contributories. This strategy was performed in 171 patients (79%), but not in the other 46 patients (21%). Demographic and clinical data, surgical findings, and postoperative complications were assessed and compared between groups. The primary outcome was the occurrence of venous-related complications.

Results: A total of 217 patients (122 female, mean age 60 years) with TN were included, with a mean pain duration of 79 months. Operative findings revealed arterial conflict in 187 patients (86%), venous conflict in 91 patients (42%), and arachnoid adhesions in 149 patients (68%). The SPV division group had 3 possibly venous-related complications, including asymptomatic small intracerebellar hemorrhage, which was managed conservatively (n = 1); transient mild ataxia associated with a small infarct in the dorsolateral pons (n = 1); and intracerebellar hemorrhage that manifested with transient right-sided ataxia (n = 1). The overall complication rate was not statistically different between the group in which the SPV division technique was used and the group in which the SPV was preserved.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that sectioning the SPV at its main trunk while maintaining venous crossflow through its contributory veins is a safe strategy during MVD for TN. This approach can improve visualization of the operative field without significantly increasing the risk of venous-related complications.