Factors Associated with Treatment Outcome of Carbon Dioxide Laser for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Abstract

Abstract:
Objective: To report the treatment outcome and identify factors associated with treatment
outcome of using carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser neural ablation for trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of 36 patients who underwent CO₂
laser neural ablation to treat TN. The medical records were reviewed and analyzed. Pain relief for at
least 1 year after the procedure would be classified as treatment success.
Results: For the total of 36 patients, 15 of them (41.7%) achieved the treatment success.
Regarding the factors associated with the treatment outcome, the total daily dose of carbamazepine
of 600 mg or less per day and shorter duration of symptoms prior to receiving the operation
(persistent symptom of 3 years or less) were related to success of treatment. The odds ratios of
both factors were 12 (95% CI = 1.6-87.9) for the carbamazepine dose, and 16 (95% CI = 2.2-112.9)
for the duration of persistent symptom of 3 years or less.
Conclusions: The CO₂ laser neural ablation decreased the pain symptoms of the patients
with TN. The preoperative dose of carbamazepine and the duration of symptoms prior to treatment
were associated with good treatment outcomes of CO₂ laser for TN.
Keywords: Trigeminal neuralgia, Tic Douloureux, Carbone dioxide laser, Lasers

SWU Dent J. 2022;15(2):79-88.