Prefrontal Lobotomy for Relief of Pain

Abstract

Electrocoagulation of frontal lobe white matter was done in 22 patients suffering from intractable pain. The medullary destruction was limited to the lower medial quadrant of frontal lobe white matter in most instances. The correct position of the electrode tip was ensured by X-ray, the ventricles having been partially filled with O2. The results were considered near perfect in 66. 7% of cases and all but 9. 5% benefited. Epileptic seizures did not follow the procedure and only 2 patients had personality changes after operation. This is a distinct advantage since seizures and personality changes are complications which limit the use of radical prefrontal lobotomy for the relief of intractable pain.