Sensory ganglionectomy: theory, technical aspects, and clinical experience

Abstract

Dorsal root ganglionectomy has a useful role in the treatment of a variety of refractory pain states, especially those involving radicular pain.

A Systematic Review: Current and Future Directions of Dorsal Root Ganglion Therapeutics to Treat Chronic Pain

“…This was again echoed by Wilkinson et al. describing long‐term pain relief in 38% of patients, with allodynia developing in two and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) developing in one patient . Weigel et al.…”

“…Further, Taub et al investigated ganglionectomy for patients with intractable monoradicular pain, concluding that although there may be a place for ganglionectomy to treat monoradicular pain, it must be levied against the dysthesia that commonly develops [3]. This was again echoed by Wilkinson et al describing long-term pain relief in 38% of patients, with allodynia developing in two and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) developing in one patient [4]. Weigel et al [5] described ganglionectomy for treatment of refractory segmental thoracic pain, concluding that although it may be helpful in treating dermatomal segmental pain, it may create pain in new areas.…”

The Appropriate Use of Neurostimulation of the Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nervous System for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Ischemic Diseases: The Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee

“…Because of its ease of accessibility within the vertebral column , the activity of the pain pathways within the pseudo‐unipolar cell bodies of the DRG, and the action of the DRG as a “grand central station” for all communication from the periphery to the spinal cord and subsequently to the brain, the DRG is a very attractive target for neuromodulation. Interest in treating the DRG has existed in the pain medicine community for many years, and treatment has included steroid injections , pulsed radiofrequency ablation , and ganglionectomy . Unfortunately, these strategies largely failed to provide sustained long‐term relief.…”

The Appropriate Use of Neurostimulation: New and Evolving Neurostimulation Therapies and Applicable Treatment for Chronic Pain and Selected Disease States

“…Because of its ease of accessibility within the vertebral column , the activity of the pain pathways within the pseudo‐unipolar cell bodies of the DRG and action of the DRG as a “grand central station” for all communication from the periphery to the spinal cord and subsequently to the brain, the DRG is a very attractive target for modulating the nervous system. Interest in treating the DRG has existed in the pain medicine community for many years, and treatment has included steroid injections , pulsed RF ablation , and ganglionectomy . Unfortunately, these strategies largely fail to provide sustained long‐term relief.…”