[Percutaneous chordotomy for the treatment of pain. Technic, indications and results]

In the last 13 years, since the introduction of percutaneous chordotomy by Mullan et al. (1963),the method has been developed and has now a solid place in the neurosurgical management of pain problems. The lateral approach of the C1/C2 level with X-ray check, visualization of the spinal cord by means of positive contrast myelography, impedance measurement, and stimulation is the mostly used and the least complicated method. Percutaneous chordotomy should be mainly used in the management of intolerable pain in patients with malignancy. The results of 130 percutaneous chordotomies in 100 patients during the last 2 years are discussed.