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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
[Vascular decompression in the treatment of vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia]
G Yu Grigoryan1, D Yu Usachev2,3, Yu A Grigoryan1
1Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, Moscow, Russia.
Background:
Vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia (VGFN) is an uncommon facial pain syndrome caused by neurovascular conflict.
Objective:
To evaluate anatomical relationships between cranial nerves IX-X and compressing arteries, as well as effectiveness of vascular decompression (VD) in these patients.
Material And Methods:
VD via retrosigmoid approach was performed in 9 patients with VGFN. Age of patients was 33-72 years. There were 4 males and 5 females. Two ones had right-sided lesions, 7 - left-sided lesions. Mean follow-up period was 8.5 years (range 3-15).
Results:
Neurovascular conflict was caused by posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in 6 cases, anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and PICA in 2 cases, PICA and vertebral artery in 1 case. Interposition technique was used in 7 cases, transposition of vessels - in 2 cases. Complete relief of VGFN was achieved in all patients. Mild dysphonia without dysphagia was registered in 1 case and regressed throughout 1.5 months. There were no VGFN recurrences.
Conclusion:
VD is a highly effective surgical method for VGFN with low rate of complications and pain recurrences.
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