Lumbosacral DREZotomy for oncologic pain treatment: a case-based review

Purpose To present 3 cases of oncologic pain treated by DREZotomy in the pediatric population and to review the literature published about this procedure. Methods The permanent literature about oncologic pain treatment in children and the applicability of DREZotomy was reviewed. Three cases treated at our institution were reviewed and presented. Results In the pediatric population, the DREZotomy has been extensively applied for the treatment of spasticity and spasticity-related pain. Currently, there are no reports of oncologic pain treated by means of a DREZotomy in children. We presented 3 cases coursing the terminal stage of illness, presenting predominantly neuropathic, oncologic pain that were successfully managed after a DREZotomy was performed. Conclusion In well-selected patients, with a good general condition and life expectancy to withstand an open neurosurgical procedure, DREZotomy is an excellent tool to treat neuropathic oncologic pain.