Frontal lobotomy or leucotomy is a surgical procedure where the frontal lobe is partially or completely removed to treat mental disorders. This procedure was considered effective in the early 20th century but later deemed unethical due to the adverse effects on patients. Synonyms for the term "frontal lobotomy" include prefrontal leukotomy, frontal leukotomy, and moniz procedure after the Portuguese neurologist who first performed it. These terms are interchangeably used to describe the same procedure. Presently, lobotomies are rarely performed and are only considered as a last resort in severe mental disorders that are unresponsive to other treatments.