What exactly is a lobotomy?!
Question:
What exactly is a lobotomy?
And why isn't this procedure performed anymore?
Answers:
The exact meaning is the removal of a lobe of the brain, and in practice, it is usually part of one of the frontal lobes. Other lobes may be excised for medical reasons (lesions, uncontrollable seizure activity, cancer), but the traditional lobotomy to correct behavior was done on part of the frontal lobes, which help with the actual planning and excuting of behaviors, as well as things such as judgement, language, problem solving and motor functions.
The procedure is no longer performed because it seriously reduces a person's mental capacity, often leaving them mentally retarded and unable to care for themselves. Additionally, most of the conditions for which lobotomies were traditionally performed can now be treated more effectively with psychoactive medications.
One sad thing is that many people were lobotomized, especially in the US, against their will. Parents who felt a daughter spent too much time or interest on men might have her lobotomized to reduce her interest in sex. Laws about placing people in mental institutions and also about performing lobotomies were different back when they were regularly performed, and patients did not generally need to give consent.
Thank goodness they are not performed anymore. I have seen documentary footage of vacant-eyed, drooling people who have to be helped to the toilet and have the mental capacity of a two year old because they were lobotomized for one reason or another.
I hope that helps you understand a bit better.