Efficacy of coblation versus radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the clinical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

Introduction: Postoperative facial numbness is the main complication of radiofrequency thermocoagulation in treating trigeminal neuralgia, which could seriously affect the surgical efficacy. This problem is expected to be resolved by coblation technique. Aim: To compare the long-term efficacy and safety of coblation and percutaneous trigeminal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PT-RFT) under fluoroscopic guidance in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Material and methods: A case-control prospective study was carried out. Patients with TN were randomly scheduled to receive coblation or PT-RFT. Both surgical procedures were performed under fluoroscopic guidance. The data, including the degree of pain, pain relief and complications, were recorded during follow-up evaluation, which was performed on the first day and at the end of the first month, third month, sixth month and first year after surgery. Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled in this study, with 25 patients in each group. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores in both groups at each time point after surgery were significantly lower compared with before surgery (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in VAS scores or pain relief between the two groups at any time point after surgery (p > 0.05). However, patients in the PT-RFT group exhibited greater facial numbness after surgery (p < 0.05). For other complications, there were no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Coblation and PT-RFT showed similar effectiveness in reducing pain; however, coblation was associated with a lower rate of postoperative facial numbness. Therefore, coblation may be a better treatment option for TN.