Glossopharyngeal neuroutomy by improved retrosigmoid approach

Objective: To explore a surgical approach to improve the operation effect of glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN).

Methods: In 8 cases with GPN, the improved retrosigmoid approach was adopted to access the cerebellopontine angle for exposing the jugular foramen and its adjacent tissues so as to cut off the glossopharyngeal under microscope. The sensoryrizotomy of trigemlind nerve was also performed if there was a trigeminal neuralgia.

Results: All the symptom of pain in 8 cases with GPN disappeared after operation with no complication occurred. There was no recurrence following-up for 2 approximately 7 years.

Conclusions: By improved retrosigmoid approach, it is easy to explore the jugular foramen and cut off the glossopharyngea for treating GDN.