The Outcome of Sling Retraction Technique in Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the technical characteristics and effectiveness of sling retraction technique in microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.

METHODS: Between January 2008 and May 2016, 158 patients affected by hemifacial spasm underwent microvascular decompression. Among them, the traditional technique was performed in 86 patients (A Group) and the sling retraction technique was used in 72 patients (B Group). The authors conducted a retrospective study and compared the surgical outcome of the 2 groups. The authors measured cure rate at 3 months and 5 years after microvascular decompression.

RESULTS: In the traditional technique group, the cure rate of microvascular decompression was 94.2% and 83.3%. While in the sling retraction technique group, the cure rate of microvascular decompression was 95.8% and 94.4%. Facial nerve palsy, hearing loss, meningitis, and ataxia were frequent complications in both 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The sling technique using biomedical glue is an effective and safe option for patients of hemifacial spasm. During the long-term follow-up, the sling retraction technique of microvascular decompression was more effective than the traditional technique, while there were no significant differences in the incidences of complications.