The
microvascular decompression procedure (MVD) is widely utilized on patients with neurovascular compression syndromes, such as
trigeminal neuralgia,
hemifacial spasm and
glossopharyngeal neuralgia, which have failed medical
therapy. However, surgical complications are an ongoing problem. We retrospectively reviewed a total of 596 patients undergoing MVD in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2008 to December 2018. Furthermore, we discussed the cases with life-threatening complications to determine the potential causes, aiming to achieve the goal of safer
microvascular decompression. There were seven cases with life-threatening complications. Of those complications, one was cerebellar
infarction with acute
hydrocephalus, one was
infarction of the cerebellum and the brain stem with acute
hydrocephalus and serious intracranial
infection, two were cerebellar haematoma, one was multiple haemorrhage with acute
hydrocephalus, one was supratentorial subdural haematoma, and one was cerebellar swelling with acute
hydrocephalus. After
therapy, one patient died, one was in a
persistent vegetative state, and five were discharged from the hospital upon recovery. In brief, MVD is a safe operation, and life-threatening complications accompanying MVD are rare, but require attention. The causes of some life-threatening complications are still not completely clear. Surgeons should continuously improve surgical techniques and
perioperative care to reduce potential risks.