CT-guided percutaneous cordotomy.

Percutaneous cordotomy is a commonly applied and effective procedure among the ablative pain surgeries. As plain X-ray does not permit visualization of the target relative to the electrode the chances of obtaining good results are decreased and the risk of complications are increased. The use of CT has been found to be useful in cordotomy. The procedure is performed under CT control on the patients who have previously been given 5 ml iohexol into the subarachnoid space. The needle electrode is manipulated by free hand technique. It is possible to measure the diameter of the spinal cord and to detect cord dislocation in the spinal canal. When the electrode system is introduced it is possible to visualize the tip of the electrode which is pushing or puncturing the spinal cord. As the procedure directly visualizes the relation of the electrode to the target it is possible to place the electrode in the lateral spinothalamic tract. Another advantage of the procedure is to enable us to visualize haematomas or other changes that may result from the cordotomy. The application of the technique and clinical results will be presented.