title: Percutaneous cordotomy.
abstract: The essentials for performing a safe and satisfactory percutaneous cordotomy are: (1) a suitable type of pain in a patient without respiratory hazard, (2) a very fine electrode, (3) contrast visualization of the dentate ligament, (4) electrical stimulation before lesion making, (5) slow increase in strength of the lesion-making current, (6) careful motor as well as sensory testing between lesions, (7) a willingness to desist in the face of difficulties, and (8) an awareness of the possibility of respiratory problems in the postoperative period.
authors: Division of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Mullan
mesh_terms: D016292:Procedural Sedation; D002818:Cordotomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles; D010146:Pain / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013133:Spinothalamic Tracts / Q000601:surgery*