Endoscopic Vascular Decompression

Objective: This article describes the technique and reports the results of endoscopic vascular decompression (EVD) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TGN), hemifacial spasm (HFS), and cochleovestibular nerve compressive syndrome. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Subjects and Methods: This study evaluates the outcome and length of stay (LOS) of 20 patients who underwent EVD for vascular compressive disorders from 2005 to 2007. It also evaluates LOS in 41 patients who underwent traditional microvascular decompression (MVD) by the same surgeons from 1999 to 2004. Results: Eighty-six percent (12 of 14) patients had resolution of their TGN, and 80% (4 of 5) had resolution of their HFS. There were no major complications. The EVD patients had an average LOS of 2.36 days as compared with 4.36 days for the MVD patient group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Endoscopic vascular decompression for patients with vascular compressive syndromes such as TGN and HFS is a safe and equally effective procedure when compared with the traditional and widely successful MVD surgery, with the added benefit of less morbidity and shorter hospital stays.