mesencephalotomy

1. The sectioning of any structure in the midbrain, especially of the spinothalamic tracts for the relief of intractable pain or the cerebral peduncle for dyskinesias. 2. A mesencephalic spinothalamic tractotomy. [mesencephalon + G. tome, incision]

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mes·en·ceph·a·lot·o·my (mez″en-sef″ə-lotґə-me) [mesencephalon + Gr. tomē a cutting] production of lesions in the midbrain, especially in the pain-conducting pathways for the relief of intractable pain. Formerly performed directly with a surgical incision, it is now done stereotactically with current from inserted electrodes.