Failed microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm: a retrospective clinical study of reoperations

Background To investigate the repeat microvascular decompression on hemifacial spasm patients who failed the first MVD. Methods Twenty-six patients underwent late redo MVD in our institution from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. The clinical features, surgical findings, outcomes, and complications of the repeat MVD were analyzed retrospectively. Results Twenty-four (92.3 %) patients were cured immediately after the redo MVD. Delayed relief was found in two (7.7 %) patients; it took 6 days and 2 weeks for them to obtain complete relief. No recurrence was found during follow-up. Surgical complications including three (11.5 %) facial paralysis and one (3.8 %) hearing loss. Conclusions We suggested that repeat MVD can be performed 2 years after the first MVD if the spasm was not resolved. Repeat MVD for HFS is effective.