Avoiding Abducens Nerve Palsy during the Percutaneous Balloon Compression Procedure

Aims: The main purpose of this study is to underline the factors which are likely to increase the risk of a sixth nerve injury after percutaneous balloon compression of the gasserian ganglion. Methods: Medical records and intraoperative radiological images of 79 consecutive patients, who underwent percutaneous balloon compression for treating drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia, were analyzed. Results: Post-operatively, transient palsy of the sixth nerve developed in 2 patients. According to their intraoperative radiographs, the side effect resulted from irregular balloon shape and inflation of the balloon towards the sellar floor. Conclusion: The anatomic position and the shape of the inflated balloon represent key factors in determining the procedure's benefit or risk of complications. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel