1073 Repeat-Percutaneous Balloon Compression is a Safe and Effective Treatment for Recurrent Facial Pain

INTRODUCTION: In select neuralgic facial pain cases, percutaneous balloon compression (PBC), glycerol rhizotomy, and radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT), can lead to significant, albeit often not permanent pain relief. However, due to high pain recurrence, patients often present for repeat procedures. Nevertheless, there is a lack of data regarding the efficacy and safety of repeated PBCs. METHODS: Patient data was collected from electronic medical records, supplemented by a prospective Qualtrics questionnaire, from individuals meeting the inclusion criteria of having undergone at least one PBC for facial pain. Our primary outcome was to assess the pain-free duration following each balloon compression procedure. Secondary outcomes included facial numbness, pain severity, and complication rates. We summarized participant demographics and clinical characteristics using descriptive statistics and examined associates between PBC characteristics and outcomes. The study was approved by the institutional review board and all participants provided informed consent. RESULTS: 36 patients were included from 2019-2023. Average balloon inflation time was 6 minutes. During long-term follow-up (mean: 33 months; range: 1-81), 72% maintained complete relief from balloon compression procedure(s), 71% were able to permanently decrease or eliminate their facial pain medications, and 11% required more than 2 procedures. No patients suffered from de-afferentation facial pain. Increased balloon compression time was not associated with increased complications. CONCLUSIONS: The balloon compression procedure exhibited a promising safety and efficacy record for alleviating facial pain, resulting in substantial pain relief for the majority of patients. Repeat procedures were particularly effective in managing recurrent pain, leading to a reduction in overall recurrence rates without a notable rise in complications. Nevertheless, further research is essential to optimize patient selection and enhance overall outcomes.