Stereotaxic pontine spinothalamic tractotomy.

Radiofrequency lesions of the spinothalamic tract in the pons have been made in five patients with pain from malignant disease. In all cases relief from pain in the upper limbs and neck was obtained. No important dysesthesias were reported postoperatively. Findings on stimulation in the target and elsewhere in the pons are described. In one case the lesion was verified on postmortem examination.