Surgery for shingles is quite rare and limited to only the most severe and prolonged cases of postherpetic neuralgia, the most common complication of shingles. Postherpetic neuralgia can be an ongoing and debilitating problem, especially for older people, but it usually decreases over time. When all other medical treatments fail to reduce or control pain, you and your health professional may consider surgical options.

Surgery to relieve postherpetic neuralgia interrupts the path of pain signals to the brain by cutting nerves in the skull or spinal column. There are significant risks to this surgery. If surgery is recommended, it is a good idea to get a second opinion before proceeding.