Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in peripheral nerve surgery: Technical description and experience in a centre.

INTRODUCTION

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring has experienced a spectacular development in the past 20 years, particularly in the fields of neurosurgery and spine surgery. it has become a useful, almost indispensable, tool in preventing nerve damage during surgery. The aim of this article is to describe the intraoperative technique and analyze its results in the field of peripheral nerve surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the usefulness of a technique in peripheral nerve surgery, the technique used and the experience in a centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 30 cases of peripheral nerve surgery performed in this centre from 2009 to 2013, using the intraoperative monitoring technique.

RESULTS

Of the total of 13 peripheral nerve tumors recorded, there were 11 excellent results and 2 good results, one temporary hypoesthesia and one with almost complete sensory, except for motor, recovery. Traumatic injury was recorded in 17 cases, of which 6 required performing a graft, and the remaining 11 cases only neurolysis was performed, with complete motor and sensory recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is a useful tool in the secondary surgery of peripheral nerve injury and the intraneural tumor pathology.