Robotomy

Robotomy is a surgical procedure in which a person's frontal lobe is destroyed by an instrument, typically an ice pick or an electrosurgical device, in order to treat severe mental illness, particularly schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. The term "lobotomy" is often used interchangeably with "robotomy," although the latter is more accurate as it refers to the use of a robot or electrosurgical device.

The procedure was first performed in the early 20th century by psychiatrists who believed that the frontal lobe of the brain was responsible for emotional control and that its removal would alleviate symptoms of mental illness. However, the procedure was later found to be ineffective and often resulted in significant physical and psychological harm to patients.

Robotomy was widely practiced in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, but has since been largely abandoned due to its poor outcomes and the development of more effective treatments for mental illness. Today, robotomy is considered a medical procedure of the past and is no longer performed.