Clinical application of neuroendoscopy in microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm

Objective To explore the feasibility and technical points of pure neuroendoscopic microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted for 50 patients with hemifacial spasm enrolled in Beijing Shijitan Hospital from Dec.2008 to Dec.2010.5 patients were accepted microscopic microvacular decompression assisted by neuroendoscopy.The other 45 patients accepted pure neuroendoscopic microvacular decompression.Results 49 patients were cured for hemifacial spasm and only 1 patient was alleviated during the follow - up period.There was no cerebellar infarction or contusion.There was no severe complication such as hemorrhage or infection. 2 cases encountered intraoperative hemorrhage and the microscope had to be used for hemostasis.Conclusions The nerves and vasculars could be observed in a little distance under endoscope and missing the responsible arteries chould be avoided.As a minimal invasive and effective procedure,pure neuroendoscopic surgery could accomplish the microvacular decompression for facial nerve after professional training.It is worth in clinical application. Key words: Hemifacial spasm;  Microvascular decompression;  Neuroendoscopy