Radiofrequency thermocoagulation combined with doxorubicin injection for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia mandibular branch.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical application value of 3D printed template-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation combined with doxorubicin injection for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia mandibular branch.

Methods: A total of 50 patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia mandibular branch in the hospital from January 2019 to September 2020 were randomly divided into two groups: 3D printed template-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation combined with doxorubicin injection was used as the research group (=25), and 3D printed template guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation was used as the control group (=25). Comparative analysis of visual analogue score (VAS) was conducted before and immediately after surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The Brisman efficacy evaluation criteria for trigeminal neuralgia was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of each postoperative follow-up period, and postoperative complications were observed.

Results: The VAS immediately after surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery in the two groups was significantly lower than that before surgery, with statistical significance (<0.05). According to Brisman efficacy evaluation criteria for trigeminal neuralgia, no significant difference was found in the efficacy between the two groups at 1 and 3 months after surgery (>0.05). At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the effectiveness of the research group was higher than that of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (<0.05). In the research group, no recurrence occurred during the follow-up period, whereas in the control group, one, two, and four recurrences occurred 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, respectively. No obvious complications were found in both groups.

Conclusions: 3D printed template-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation combined with doxorubicin injection for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia mandibular branch could enhance the long-term curative effect and reduce the recurrence rate, thus worthy of clinical promotion and application.