Percutaneous CT-guided cordotomy for pain

Abstract

Cordotomy has evolved since the first open procedure by Spiller and the first percutaneous radiofrequency cordotomy by Mullan in 1965. Today, the minimally invasive, CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency cordotomy is mostly used for the palliative management of medically intractable somatic pain related to malignancy in well-selected patients. The risk of adverse events is minimized with the use of intraoperative stimulation monitoring. This video highlights the spinal cord anatomy at the level of C1–2, the approach to patient selection, the associated risks and benefits, and, finally, the proce-dural setup and key steps involved in this unique neurosurgical procedure.