Percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the semilunar ganglion for treating trigeminal neuralgia. Report of 325 cases

325 cases of trigeminal neuralgia were treated by percutaneous semilunar ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation from March 1982 to March 1985. All patients were followed-up for more than one year. The effective rate was 98% and the recurrence rate was 20%. 46 recurred cases were successfully treated by reoperation. There were no severe complications and mortality. In this article, the operative method, advantages and prevention of complication are discussed.