Abstract: Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of microvascular decompression(MVD) for the patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia(PTN) and related factors leading to postoperative complications. 
Methods The clinical data of 30 patients undergoing MVD for PTN in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. 
Results The pain of 26 patients was completely relieved after the procedure of MVD, and the overall remission rate was 86.67%. The compressive vessels confirmed during the procedure were superior cerebellar arteries(SCAs)（14/30), anterior inferior cerebellar arteries (AICAs) (7/30), superior petrosal veins(SPVs) and its branches（6/30). Neurovascular compression absence was found in 3 cases. In terms of complications, low intracranial pressure syndrome occurred in 5 cases postoperatively and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was found in 1 case. Recurrence rate was 3.33%(1/30) during an average follow-up of (20.53±12.41) months. 
Conclusion MVD is a convenient and effective strategy for PTN patients with a low rate of recurrence. SCAs and AICAs are the most common responsible vessels. The responsible vessels should be carefully identified and the trigeminal nerve should be decompressed totally. Postoperative complications such as low intracranial pressure syndrome and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea should be avoided.

Key words: trigeminal neuralgia, microvascular decompression surgery, postoperative complications