Stereotactic Neurosurgical Treatment of Addiction: Minimizing the Chances of Another 'Great and Desperate Cure'

Over the past 4 years Russian and Chinese surgeons have used neurosurgical procedures to treat heroin addiction. 305 were reportedly operated on in Russia and over 500 in China before the procedure was stopped by the Russian and Chinese governments in 2002 and 2004. The addictions field will need to speak with a united voice if we are to ensure that neurosurgical treatment of addiction is not introduced into developed countries by enthusiastic private practitioners without formal evaluation, as purported 'cures' for heroin addiction all too often are. We must also be prepared to face the challenge that may arise if neurosurgical entrepreneurs in developing countries with poorly regulated medical care and punitive policies towards opioid addiction begin to market neurosurgery as an addiction 'cure'. If this happens, clear and consistent statements of the case against pursuing this desperate remedy will be required from credible organizations, such as the World Health Organization