A Nod for Meckel: A Novel Surgical Position Utilizing Meckel's Cave Anatomy for Percutaneous Glycerol Rhizotomy in Trigeminal Neuralgia

Abstract

Objective We aim to describe a novel positioning technique using a specific surgical table to achieve the optimal angle during percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy (PGR) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Design This is a descriptive and photographic analysis of successful cases for future implementation. Setting This study was conducted at a single-institution, academic center. Participants The participants were adult patients with TN who underwent PGR and provided consent for publication. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcomes of this study were TN symptomatic relief and surgical complications. Results The use of a beach chair sliding headboard surgical table for PGR is plausible and ensures precise and immobile head flexion for 1 hour postglycerol injection. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. All patients achieved successful reduction of TN symptoms. Conclusions Utilizing this new method of intraoperative navigation with a unique surgical table in the upright position, surgeons may achieve precise head adjustments post-PGR. Head flexion has been postulated as a means of ensuring glycerol containment in Meckel's cave. This method can help standardize this procedure for future systematic studies on the importance of head positioning post-PGR.