[Intraoperative Neuromonitoring for Skull Base Surgery]

No Shinkei Geka. 2022 May;50(3):554-563. doi: 10.11477/mf.1436204587.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques can be used to evaluate neural functions during surgical procedures. For removal of tumors in the skull base region, we perform them for both structural mapping of the compressed cranial nerves and continuous monitoring of their preservation. The goal is to eliminate the critical irreversible damage to the neurological structures and prevent postoperative neurologic deficits. Recording techniques have been developed and neuromonitoring equipment used in the operation room with the intravenous anesthesia technique. For skull base surgery, in particular, the neuromonitoring contains motor evoked potential(MEP), brainstem auditory evoked potential(BAEP), visual evoked potential(VEP), and others. We believe that the appropriate recording and interpretation of these data can greatly improve the surgical outcomes of tumor removal and prevent postoperative neurologic deficits.

MeSH terms

  • Evoked Potentials, Motor / physiology
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory* / physiology
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual*
  • Humans
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Skull Base / surgery