Microvascular decompression

Last edited and medically reviewed by Alaric Steinmetz on 17.04.2025

Synonyms

Operation nach Janetta

Microvascular decompression, also known as the Jannetta procedure, is a surgical procedure in which pathological contacts between vessels and Cranial nerves in the posterior cranial fossa are eliminated.

Figure

Neurovascular conflict involving the trigeminal nerve. — Anatomical drawing of a neurovascular conflict between the trigeminal nerve and the superior cerebellar artery. Figure adapted from McLaughlin and Mark R. et al. Microvascular decompression of cranial nerves: lessons learned after 4400 operations. Journal of Neurosurgery 90.1 (1999): 1-8.

Indications

Microvascular decompression is used, for example, for the surgical treatment of the following conditions, provided that a neurovascular conflict is present:

Hemifacial spasm[^2]
Trigeminal neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Vestibular paroxysmia

Procedure

The goal of microvascular decompression is to resolve the neurovascular conflict. This can be achieved, for example, by placing one or more pieces of Teflon[^2].

Complications

Typical complications of microvascular decompression surgery[^1]:

CSF fistula
Lesion of the cerebellum
Hearing loss or impairment due to traction on the Vestibulocochlear nerve.