Neuromonitoring is a technique that is considered an indispensable part of spine surgery and allows continuous monitoring of the patient's nervous system during surgery. This method allows the surgeon to get immediate feedback to prevent nerve damage during surgery, which has a great impact on the safety and outcomes of the surgery. This method contributes to a faster and smoother recovery for patients after surgery.
How is neuromonitoring done?
Neuromonitoring monitors a patient's nervous system using electrophysiological methods. These monitoring techniques are used to prevent nerve damage during surgery and help surgeons work safely. The main methods used during monitoring are:
Somatosensory Evocation (SSEP): This method is used to monitor the patient's sensation and ability to touch. Electrodes are placed on specific areas of the body and help to assess the function of the nerves.
Motor Stimulation: This method is used to monitor the patient's muscle movements. It is especially important in spinal cord surgery because preservation of motor function is of paramount importance.
Electromyography (EMG): EMG is used to monitor the function of muscles and nerves. Needles are inserted into the muscles to detect nerve damage or destruction.
Why is neuromonitoring important?
Neuromonitoring improves the safety of surgical interventions by allowing the surgeon to get instant feedback on the patient's nervous system during surgery. If a risk of nerve damage is identified, the surgeon can intervene immediately and this contributes positively to the patient's recovery after surgery. Neuromonitoring also improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of post-operative complications.
Neuromonitoring provides the surgeon with a safe working environment during surgery, while minimizing the risk of damage to the patient's nervous system. This method improves the safety of both the surgeon and the patient by helping to achieve better post-operative outcomes. Neuromonitoring is routinely used in all spine surgeries and is an indispensable tool for surgeons. In this way, both surgical success rates increase and patients' recovery processes are accelerated.
In Which Diseases Is Neuromonitoring Used?
Neuromonitoring is also used in the surgical treatment of many nervous system diseases other than spine surgery. This technique is especially preferred in surgical interventions for diseases such as spinal herniated disc, scoliosis, spinal cord tumors and spinal stenosis. Neuromonitoring also plays an important role in neurosurgery, peripheral neurosurgery and some orthopedic surgeries. The ability of surgeons to continuously monitor the effects on the nervous system is a critical factor to prevent complications that may develop due to these diseases.
In which surgeries is neuromonitoring used?
Neuromonitoring is widely used, especially in spine surgery. Protecting nerves during spine surgeries is of paramount importance, so neuromonitoring allows surgeons to work safely during surgery. It is also used effectively in other nervous system surgeries.
