Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of "nerve combing" for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without vascular compression.
Methods: Fifteen patients with TN treated with microvascular decompression had no visible vascular compression intraoperatively. All of them underwent trigeminal nerve combing.
Results: The long-term excellent relief was achieved in 73.3% of patients, 2 patients had good outcome, 1 patient experienced obvious partial relief, and the intensity of the residual pain was not severe enough to require medication. Three patients suffered facial numbness postoperatively, but it completely disappeared by 4 months after operation.
Conclusion: Nerve combing is an effective method in treating TN without vascular compression; however, further studies should be carried out to explore the possible mechanisms of underlying pain relief.