Characteristics and management of the offending veins in microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia

In conclusion, in  cases of TN, small offending veins arising from REZ and/or distal CN V and causing their stretching may be coagulated and cut. In many cases, TPV can be also interrupted safely or considered as collateral way for blood outflow. The main complication of such procedures is facial numbness, which is associated with the venous infarction of middle cerebellar peduncle and long-term complete pain relief.
Source: Neurosurgical Review - Category: Neurosurgery Source Type: research