ANTEROLATERAL CHORDOTOMY FOR INTRACTABLE PAIN OF TABES DORSALIS

Abstract

Control of the gastric crises and lightning pains of tabes dorsalis has long presented a difficult problem. The operation of anterolateral chordotomy, first performed by Martin at the instigation of Spiller¹and extended in scope by the work of Foerster,²should, when perfectly performed, relieve all pain below the clavicles. Chordotomy has now been performed on twelve patients in the clinic of Dr. Max M. Peet for various types of tabetic pain. Though the results are far from perfect, we believe that enough has been accomplished in the way of relief of intractable pain to warrant their publication. The following history of severe, long-standing gastric crises presents a typical problem, with its ultimate satisfactory solution. REPORT OF A CASE W. S., a clerk aged 34, was admitted to the University Hospital on June 15, 1927, complaining of almost daily attacks of severe epigastric pain, associated with vomiting. This