Temporal retrogasserian resection of trigeminal root versus controlled elective percutaneous electrocoagulation of the ganglion of gasser in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Report on a series of 531 cases.

In his experience with 531 surgical procedures for the relief of trigeminal neuralgia between 1955 to 1970, the author developed a strong preference for the percutaneous electro-coagulation of the gasserian ganglion. Although the method was repeatedly modified in the early years, a standardized technique of controlled, selective and fractional coagulation in the semiawake state of neurolept-anaesthesia was used since 1963 in 183 of his 311 patients, treated in this manner. The advantages of the method, particularly in comparison to open intracranial root sections, are: Minimal operative risk, control of operative effect during the operation, small sensibility deficit, low rate of complicati…