Introduction: Modern day neurosurgery requires maximum safety and use of available technology. Intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring has become invaluable adjunct to spinal surgery.
Methods: From April 2008 to January 2016, 50 intra-dural spinal tumours were treated in our unit. All patients underwent complete pre-operative and post-operative clinical and radiological assessment. The surgeon performed thorough pre-operative neurological examination. Radiological assessment was performed using pre-operative and post-operative MRI with contrast. Majority patients of the present series were discussed with neurophysiologist and operated on using intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring (when feasible) following different settings depending on the location of the tumour.
Results: Neurophysiology monitoring was used with suitable techniques depending on the location and extent of the tumours. Intra-operative stimulation of the nerve roots was used as well. Patient outcome was significantly improved with the use of intra-operative neurophysiology monitoring.
Conclusions: The use of appropriate intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring in selected cases of intradural spinal tumours increases safety of surgical excision and surgeons' confidence/ comfort during the operative procedure.
Patient Care: This will allow maximum safe resection and enhance surgeon satisfaction/ confidence in critical areas.
Learning Objectives: Role of intra-operative neurophysiology monitoring in intradural spinal tumours is found to be increasingly benificial and application of appropriate technique is of paramount importance.