Percutaneous cervical cordotomy: results and complications in a recent series of 100 patients

One hundred and twenty-two percutaneous cervical cordotomies were performed in 100 patients. Of these, 95 suffered from pain associated with malignant disease. Complete pain relief was achieved in 64% of patients, partial relief in 23% and no relief in 13%. Mortality was 6% and exclusively related to postoperative respiratory dysfunction. The results and complications observed in this recent series are discussed in relation to our previous and other authors' experience. For selected patients with cancer pain, percutaneous cordotomy is the most effective operative method available at the present time.