Abstract:

Objective This paper aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the 3D printing puncture navigation template-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation for V2 trigeminal neuralgia treatment.Methods A total of 52 patients with V2 trigeminal neuralgia were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation. A total of 32 patients were treated under the guidance of the 3D printing puncture navigation template (guide plate group), while 20 patients underwent puncture via pterygopalatine fossa routinely (routine treatment group). The puncture time, operation time, puncture success rate, and immediate postoperative pain were recorded. The degree of immediate postoperative pain was indicated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) classification criteria were used to evaluate the efficacy, and the postope-rative complications were observed. All patients were followed up for 1 year.Results The two groups showed significant decrease in VAS after the operation (P<0.05). The puncture and operation times of the guide plate group were significantly lower than those of the routine treatment group (P<0.05). The difference in terms of the clinical effects and recurrence rate between the two groups was insignificant (P>0.05).Conclusion 3D printing puncture navigation template-guided radiofre-quency thermocoagulation may increase the operation success rate and reduce complication incidence. Therefore, this technique possesses clinical promotional value.

Key words: trigeminal neuralgia, 3D printing navigation template, percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation