Prefrontal Leucotomy

Abstract

The operation of prefrontal leucotomy or, as some call it, prefrontal lobotomy, is one of the most startling of modern therapeutic procedures. It was introduced in Portugal by Moniz (1936)—the actual operation being performed by Lima—and was subsequently developed in Italy and in America. In this country it was first carried out at the Burden Neurological Institute in Bristol on December 11, 1940. At the time of writing (May, 1943) some 350 leucotomies have been performed in Great Britain. In 1942 Freeman published his book, Psychosurgery, dealing with the work done up to the end of 1941. Most of the work dealt with in the present review has been published since then, although for the sake of completeness Freeman's book will be referred to.