Complications of Microvascular Decompression in patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia

Objective:  To determine the frequency of complications of microvascular decompression for patients with trigeminal neuralgia undergoing surgical decompression. Materials and Methods:  A descriptive case study was carried out in the Neurosurgery Unit 1, Lahore General Hospital. The study included 80 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained and possible outcomes and complications of surgery were explained beforehand to the patients. Demographic details were noted. Surgical site infection, CSF leak, Facial numbness, Facial palsy, Hearing impairment, and Postoperative hematoma as complications were assessed. The presence of complications was recorded. Data was stratified for age and gender from. Chi-square was used as a statistical test, taking a p-value ?0.05 as the level of significance. Results:  The study included 80 patients. The mean age of the patients was 40.8 ± 11.7 years. Overall complications were reported in 21 (26.3%) patients. Distribution of complications was as follows; surgical site infection 2 (9.5%), CSF leak (19.0%), facial palsy 5 (23.8%), facial numbness 9 (42.9%), hearing impairment 2 (9.5%) and post-operative hematoma 5 (23.8%). Conclusion:  Microvascular decompression (MVD) is recommended neurosurgical procedure for medically refractory patients with trigeminal pain if there is no contraindication for surgery. Surgical complications can be minimized by meticulous surgery resulting in adequate tissue respect. Another means to get better and long-lasting results with fewer complications is by using an autologous muscle graft.