Long-Term Efficacy of Stereotactic Bilateral Anterior Cingulotomy and Bilateral Anterior Capsulotomy as a Treatment for Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the long-term efficacy and adverse effects of stereotactic bilateral anterior cingulotomy (BACI) and bilateral anterior capsulotomy (BACA) as a treatment for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients. Methods: Seven patients suffering from refractory OCD underwent stereotactic surgery and were followed for 12 months. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to assess the efficacy. The test was taken before and 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results: The mean Y-BOCS scores decreased significantly from 32.9 ± 4.7 at baseline to 20.6 ± 5.3 after 12 months. Five out of the 7 patients showed a decrease of more than 35%. During the 12-month follow-up, the effective rate had increased from 28.6 to 71.4%. There were no significant adverse effects observed after surgery. Conclusions: The BACI and BACA were effective for the treatment of refractory OCD, and no significant adverse effects on long-term follow-up were found.