OBJECTIVETo evaluate the short-term and long-term curative effect of microvascular decompression sensory root of trigeminal nerve combing (MVD + SRTNC) by post-sigmoid approach as well as the complications in these operations.

METHODSThe data from 138 idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients treated with MVD + STRNC that followed up 33 months to 58 months was analyzed.

RESULTSImmediate relief from pain occurred in 136 patients (98.6%). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, cumulative proportion effectiveness at the end of 25 months decreased to 91.4%, and 85.8% from 49 months to 58 months. There were cases of 63.83% and 19.15% with slight and midrange hypoesthesia after surgery but majority recovered at the end of 3-58 months (P < 0.01). No serious hypoesthesia occurred. The complications including leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, herpes and headache caused by high intracranial pressure, were observed in 4 cases (2.90%), 36 cases (26.09%) and 3 cases (2.17%), respectively. Two cases (1.43%) died of cerebral hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONSThe proposed surgical strategy of standard MVD plus sensory root of trigeminal nerve combing was a good strategy option for TN, but It was important for surgeons to think highly of the risks of the surgery.