Percutaneous Trigeminal Rhizotomy
Definition
Percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve. The procedure involves inserting a needle through the skin and into the trigeminal nerve root, where radiofrequency ablation, glycerol injection, or balloon compression is used to selectively damage the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals.