Successful microvascular decompression surgery for patient with hemifacial spasm

Dr. Truong Van Tri, Head of Neurosurgery Department from Hospital of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy and patient P. (right-hand side) before being discharged. 

According to Dr. Truong Van Tri, Head of Neurosurgery Department from Hospital of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, this is the first time that microvascular decompression used to treat hemifacial spasm has been operated in Thua Thien Hue as well as in North Central region.

Patient Phan Van P. had hemifacial spasm for 7 years. This condition deteriorated, that led to difficulties for patient in communicating and standing in front of the crowd. In addition, light seizure of the eyelids could cause bad vision. The patient had sought for treatment in different medical institutions before but the condition did not improve. After that, he was admitted to the Hospital of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy with diagnosis of hemifacial spasm because the arteries overlapped the facial nerve.

On November 30, Dr. Truong Van Tri with his team performed the microvascular decompression surgery for the patient. After the surgery, the symptoms of hemifacial spasm decreased. After 9 days, the spasm decreased by 99% and the patient was discharged. The success in microvascular decompression technique is a milestone in developing Neurosurgery of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, improving the quality of treatment for patients in the region.

By Ngoc Ha