[Instruments used in various operations in the area of the gasserian ganglion]

The authors describe instruments which make it possible to perform retrogasserian thermolesions (RGT), glycerol radiculolysis (GRL) or trigeminal balloon compression (TBC) or possibly a combination of these methods from a single surgical approach. This makes it possible to adjust the selection of the type of lesion to unforeseen conditions any time during the operation. The surgical results are compared in 308 RGT, 50 GRL and 22 TBC. There are no substantial differences and therefore the selection of the type of lesion depends on technical circumstances during operation.