Abstract
The differential diagnosis for trigeminal neuralgia like-symptoms includes cerebellopontine
angle lesions causing regional mass effect upon the trigeminal nerve ([Fig. 1]). Here we present an operative video manuscript of a patient experiencing trigeminal
neuralgia, secondary to an epidermoid cyst, in which a retrosigmoid craniectomy was
performed to resect the epidermoid and decompress the trigeminal nerve ([Fig. 2]). This video highlights the operative nuances to achieving a successful surgery,
including appropriate patient positioning, dural exposure to the transverse-sigmoid
sinus junction, arachnoid dissection, and decompression of cranial nerves. A gross
total resection was achieved; the patient reported immediate relief of facial pain
postoperatively and has been pain free at the ten month follow-up.
The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/Ja2eE0uGk4E.
Keywords
epidermoid cyst - trigeminal - neuralgia - technique
