J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1999 Nov;28(11):1569-1572.

Clinical Analysis on Open Thoracic Cordotomy of the Cancer Pain

• Kim JK
• Jang JS
• Song JW
• Park WM
• Yoo H
• Rhee CH
• Lee SH

Abstract

Patients with pain syndromes resulting from recurrent or metastatic cancer should be evaluated carefully to determine the cause of their pain and the need for appropriate antitumor treatment. The most effective ablative pain control procedure at the current time is cordotomy, which is indicated in patients with unilateral pain. The authors results of 12 antero-lateral thoracic cordotomies performed for intractable cancer pain between 1996-1998. The follow-up of these patients was continued for at least 12 months or until death to determine the late success of this procedure. Excellent surgical results were obtained in 100% after one week and in 50% in 6 months after operation. The operation was considered to be successful for patients with malignant disease of short life expectancy.

Keyword

Cordotomy; Antitumor treatment; Metastatic cnacer; Intractable cancer pain

MeSH Terms

Cordotomy*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Expectancy