Dorsal root entry zone lesions for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.

These investigators attempted to diminish postherpetic neuralgia in 17 patients by making dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesions. They describe the clinical syndrome of pain after herpes zoster, the incidence of which increases with age, and discuss its pathology. They briefly review the medical and surgical treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. The results and complications of the DREZ procedure are reported.