Microvascular Decompression for Idiopathic Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia in Patients Over 75 Years of Age

Objective: In the present study, the authors appraised the results of microvascular decompression in patients over 75 years of age. Methods: From June 2009 to June 2013, a number of 108 aged patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia experienced microvascular decompression. The authors present a retrospective review of medical records and compared the results with those of a control group of 302 younger patients. Results: The mean follow-up period was 3 years. No statistically marked differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of rate of pain control, recurrences, complications. The duration of operation in the elderly group was markedly shorter than that in the younger group. Conclusion: Microvascular decompression is a liable and safe surgical method for aged patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia. Unless the aged patients cannot bear general anesthesia, they should have the chance to select microvascular decompression.