Subsequent epilepsy surgery after SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation: Outcomes and prognostic value of treatment response-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

What was studied

This review looked at a brain procedure for drug-resistant focal epilepsy. It is a minimally invasive treatment called SEEG-RFTC. The team asked how patients did after later epilepsy surgery. They also asked if the response to RFTC can predict that result. They searched major databases up to June 1, 2026.

What they found

6 studies with 194 patients reported outcomes after later surgery. 141 patients had a good seizure outcome. Responders had higher odds of a good later outcome in 3 studies. This gap was not firm in a small-sample test. Some permanent nerve problems were reported too.

What it means for patients

The authors say a positive RFTC response may add trust in the surgery plan. They say current evidence does not show it predicts the result on its own. They say it does not back ruling out surgery on nonresponse alone.

Why it is not certain yet

Only 3 studies compared responders with nonresponders. The range of results grew wide in the small-sample check. The paths to later care differed across studies. A review can only be as good as the studies in it.

Source

Subsequent epilepsy surgery after SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation: Outcomes and prognostic value of treatment response-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We restate facts from the source record in our own words. The original wording belongs to its publisher.