Application of intraoperative neural electrophysiological monitoring during spinal cord surgery:report of 11 cases / 中华神经医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize our experience with intraoperative neural electrophysiological monitoring during spinal cord surgery. Methods The clinical data of 11 patients undergoing spinal cord surgery with intraoperative neural electrophysioiogical monitoring were retrospectively reviewed, and the monitoring was performed by recording the motor-evoked potential (MEP), somatosensory evoked potential (SEP), and evoked electromyography (EMG). Results Subtotal resection of the intramedullary cystic lesion was performed in 1 case and partial resection of the intramedullary tumor in another. In 9 cases of tethered spinal cord syndrome, obvious improvement was obtained in 8 cases, and the other 1 case showed no obvious changes in the symptoms after the operation. In all the 11 cases, the spinal cord remained intact and its function was totally preserved without damage of the eonus medullaris or the cauda equine. Conclusion Combined monitoring of MEP, SEP, and evoked EMG during spinal cord surgery is useful for protecting the spinal cord and the nerves roots, and may enhance the detection of the tethered tissue and ensure better safety of operations.