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Date sent: Wed, 31 May 2000 22:15:23 EDT Send reply to: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network <[log in to unmask]> From: Don Berns <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: PARKINSN Digest - 23 May 2000 (#2000-451) To: [log in to unmask] > Although I find it impossible to keep up with the huge volume on the > Parkinson's Digest occasionally I come across something which I feel > compelled to respond. Dating back several years ago, we have had a > basic disagreement as to the effectiveness of a pallidotomy and Dr. > Iacono in particular. No one is throwing down any gauntlets. Janet just posted a piece of controlled, peer-reviewed scientific research. It was, BTW, conducted by the neurosurgeon who literally *brought back* pallidotomy (Dr. Lauri Laitinen from Sweden) and encouraged people like Dr. Iacono, some years ago, to try the operation again. Pallidotomy is not a new procedure; it was done in the early to mid-sixties for Parkinson's disease (I probably did over 100 in Chicago when I was in training), using a somewhat more primitive localization technique. The results in those days were initially good, as well, but, as time passed, many of the patients relapsed and, 5-10 years later, were just as bad as they were before the surgery. I am happy that Don Berns is doing well. I hope he continues to do so. But please do not take scientific research and negate it with personal agendas designed to support a procedure or a particular surgeon. Best, Bob ********************************************** Robert A. Fink, M. D., F.A.C.S., P. C. 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, California 94704-2636 Telephone: 510-849-2555 FAX: 510-849-2557 WWW: http://www.dovecom.com/rafink/ mailto:[log in to unmask] "Ex Tristitia Virtus" *********************************************