[Elimination of pain by percutaneous thermorhizolysis in patients with inoperable bronchial carcinoma (author's transl)].

The percutaneous thermorhizolysis is a relatively simple technique for interrupting root function in the paravertebral space. Pain-conducting fibers can be selectively inactivated by a thermal probe heated to controlled temperatures. In a series of 25 cases with terminal cancer pain syndrome a good to very good relief of pain was obtained in 18 cases. In 4 cases the pain relief was partial. Only in 3 cases the treatment was completely ineffective. The procedure can be applied to patients who are debilitated due to carcinoma or old age and can be repeated if necessary.