Stereo‐electroencephalography‐guided three‐dimensional radiofrequency thermocoagulation for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis: a retrospective study with long‐term follow‐up

Abstract Objective Stereotactic electroencephalography‐guided three‐dimensional radiofrequency thermocoagulation (SEEG‐3D RFTC) is a minimally invasive treatment for medial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE‐HS). This study aimed to investigate the long‐term prognosis after SEEG‐3D RFTC treatment in patients with MTLE‐HS. Methods This single‐center retrospective study included 28 patients with MTLE‐HS treated with SEEG‐3D RFTC from January 2016 to May 2018. Postoperative curative effects were evaluated using the Engel classification, and the patients were followed up for 5 years. Results The proportions of patients categorized as Engel I between one and five years after surgery were 72.41% (12 months after surgery), 67.86% (18 months after surgery), 62.07% (24 months after surgery), 50.00% (36 months after surgery), 42.86% (48 months after surgery), and 42.86% (60 months after surgery), respectively. Regarding long‐term efficacy, based on the Engel classification, SEEG‐3D RFTC showed room for improvement. Significance This was the first study to evaluate the efficacy of SEEG‐3D RFTC for MTLE‐HS with long‐term follow‐up. SEEG‐3D RFTC is a promising alternative for patients with MTLE‐HS.