[Anti-algic surgical techniques]

To review all the neurosurgical techniques currently used for the relief of pain.

The techniques described range from the classical operations causing lesions, such as neurotomy, rhizotomy, cordotomy, mesencephalotomy, thalamotomy, hypothalamotomy, cingulectomy, leukotomy and hypophysectomy, to the most modern, sophisticated techniques such as spinal and cerebral neurostimulation with administration of spinal morphine using continuous perfusion pumps. The indications, results and most usual complications of these techniques are described together with the techniques themselves.

It may be said that with this arsenal, modern medicine can control or alleviate over 90% of drug-resistant pain.