Turkish Neurosurgery
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring during Surgery for Cauda Equina and Conus Medullaris Tumors
Emine Taskiran1, Mustafa Onur Ulu2, Eren Fatma Akcil3, Murat Hanci2
1Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Neurology, Istanbul,
2Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa , Neurosurgery, Istanbul,
3Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa , Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Istanbul,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.26479-19.2

Aim:Intraoperative neuromonitoring is commonly used during surgeries for cauda equina and conus medullaris tumors (CECMT). Although traditional neurophysiological monitoring techniques are well known, specialized techniques like the pudendal somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) are not widely used. The aim is to demonstrate the value of these special techniques for CECMT surgeries by describing standard methods used at our center.Material and Methods:Neurophysiological records were retrospectively reviewed for 16 patients (eight females and eight males; age range, 27–60 years) who underwent surgery for CECMT at our department between 2016 and 2018.Results:Motor and/or sensorial deficits were preoperatively identified in 10 patients; no patients had bladder or sexual dysfunction. Motor evoked potential (MEP) loss occurred in seven patients with full or partial recovery. No changes were seen in pudendal SEPs or BCRs, and morphological deterioration and amplitude loss of tibial SEPs were present in four patients. Postoperatively, no new neurological deficits and/or bladder and sexual dysfunction were present. Conclusion:Pudendal SEPs and BCRs are useful tests for monitoring CECMT surgeries. BCR is an easily obtainable modality for preserving sacral functions and recommended as a primary monitoring modality in conjunction with traditional neurophysiological techniques during CECMT surgery.

Corresponding author : Emine Taskiran