Dorsal rhizotomy for the relief of intractable pain of malignant tumor origin

Abstract

✓ Experience with dorsal rhizotomy in 71 patients with intractable pain is presented. The authors believe this treatment is indicated for cancer patients who are in good enough physical condition to tolerate a laminectomy, have a moderate life expectancy, and whose pain involves structures innervated by one or several roots. An extremity should be denervated only if it is already without functional value. The advantage of sensory rhizotomy is that it produces a lasting anesthesia that is tolerable to the patient. The results Were good to excellent in 50 of the 71 patients. There were five operative deaths.