Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a surgical procedure used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (TN). This procedure is used to treat chronic facial pain caused by compression of the TN nerve fibers, usually by blood vessels.
Microvascular decompression involves microsurgical access to the base of the TN where it exits the brain and removal of the blood vessel that is compressing the nerve. Once the vessel is removed, the nerve is dilated and the pain is reduced.
The essence of the method
MVD is usually performed under a microscope to examine the anatomy and structure of the TN and its surroundings in detail. This method requires the experience and skills of microsurgeons and may be associated with the risk of damage to neural structures, blood vessels, or nodes located in the area.
MVD can be an effective treatment for TN neuralgia and can provide long-term pain relief . However, there are some complications that can occur after this procedure, such as facial numbness or muscle incoordination. The results of the Janette procedure may vary from person to person, so the decision to have it should be discussed with your neurosurgeon .
One of the causes of trigeminal neuralgia is compression of the nerve by pulsating cerebral vessels in the posterior cranial fossa near the exit of the nerve from the brainstem. In these cases, the Janette operation (microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve) is performed.
Operation
The operation is performed under general anesthesia using an operating microscope and special microinstruments.
Through a small opening in the skull, the trigeminal nerve trunk and the brain vessels that compress the nerve are released. After that, a special Teflon gasket is placed on the nerve, which eliminates the neurovascular conflict.
This eliminates the cause of neuralgia. The operation is highly effective, the pain goes away immediately. There are practically no complications. The duration of the operation is up to 60 minutes.
