Understanding Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring For Brain Tumor Surgery

Dr. Santosh Prabhu January 8, 2025

A brain tumor refers to an abnormal growth or mass of cells in and around the brain. These tumors can be either cancerous or noncancerous and can affect individuals of all ages. Even noncancerous tumors can significantly impact brain function as they grow, making prompt treatment essential. Ignoring the symptoms of a brain tumor and delaying treatment can be life-threatening. For most individuals with brain tumors, surgery is the primary and most common course of treatment. Intraoperative nerve monitoring is a surgical technique that has revolutionized neurosurgery. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) involves the real-time monitoring and assessment of the nervous system's function and integrity during surgeries and is commonly used in procedures like brain tumor surgery. In this article, we will explore intraoperative monitoring during brain tumor surgery, its procedure, risks, benefits, and more.

What Is Intra-operative Nerve Monitoring?

Intra-operative neuromonitoring (IONM) refers to the use of advanced equipment and techniques used to evaluate nerve function during surgery. In the context of brain tumor procedures, IONM technologists play a critical role by monitoring motor and sensory pathways to safeguard the integrity of vital nerves located near the tumor site. The primary objective is to minimize the risk of nerve damage while enabling the surgeon to remove the tumor as thoroughly as possible. During brain tumor surgeries, intra-operative nerve monitoring technology utilizes electrodes placed on the patient’s body to stimulate nerves or monitor their responses. This setup provides real-time feedback on the nervous system’s functionality, assisting the surgical team in making informed, immediate decisions.

Types Of Intra-operative Neuromonitoring Techniques

The following are some key intra-operative neuromonitoring techniques commonly used in neurosurgery, including brain tumor operations:

Electrocorticography (ECoG) and Stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG)
Electromyography (EMG)
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs)
Motor Evoked Potentials (MEP) and Direct Cortical Stimulation (DCS)
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEPs)
Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs)

These advanced techniques enable IONM technologists and surgical teams to ensure precision and safety during complex brain tumor surgeries.

Benefits of Intra-operative Neuro Monitoring Technology

The following are some of the major benefits of intra-operative nerve monitoring technology for brain tumor surgery.

Improved Accuracy

Neuromonitoring provides real-time data, helping IONM technologists and surgeons pinpoint and protect critical areas of the brain during surgery. This helps reduce the risk of accidentally affecting the areas of the brain that control functions such as movement, speech, or vision.

Lower Risk of Nerve Damage

By continuously monitoring nerve activity, this technology helps prevent post-surgery complications such as paralysis, speech difficulties, or loss of sensation.

Safer Tumor Removal

Intra-operative neuromonitoring technology helps surgeons remove as much of the tumor as possible while avoiding damage to healthy brain tissue. This balance ensures effective treatment with minimal side effects.

Better Management of High-Risk Cases

For tumors near vital brain regions, neuromonitoring makes it safer to operate. It guides surgeons in these challenging areas, improving outcomes and reducing complications.

Faster Recovery

With reduced damage to nerves and brain tissue, patients often experience fewer complications and recover more quickly, leading to an overall better surgical experience.

Complications Of Intra-operative Neuro Monitoring Technology

The following are some of the complications of IONM technology.

False Readings: Incorrect readings may lead to unnecessary changes or missed risks during surgery.
Prolonged Surgery: The setup and monitoring process can extend the overall surgical time.
Minor Skin Irritations: Adhesives or electrodes may cause mild skin reactions in some patients.
Cost Constraints: IONM adds to the overall expense of the surgery, which may not be accessible for all.
Technical Issues: Equipment malfunction or interference can disrupt monitoring accuracy.

Why Choose WIINS Hospitals?

WIINS Hospitals stands at the forefront of advanced neurosurgical care, offering specialized Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring (IONM) for brain tumor surgeries. This cutting-edge technique enhances surgical precision by safeguarding critical nerve pathways, reducing the risk of complications, and improving patient outcomes. Backed by a team of expert IONM technologists, neurosurgeons, and state-of-the-art technology, WIINS Hospitals is dedicated to delivering exceptional care with a focus on safety, accuracy, and patient well-being.