Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is a medical technique used during certain surgical procedures to monitor the function of the nervous system in real-time. The goal of IONM is to reduce the risk of nerve damage during surgery, especially procedures that involve delicate or critical neural structures.
IONM provides immediate feedback on the functional status of nerves and neural structures during surgery. This real-time information allows surgeons to make prompt decisions to avoid potential damage to nerves.
The information provided by IONM allows surgeons to plan and adjust their surgical strategy, allowing them to utilize advanced surgical procedures with confidence. This can be particularly crucial in surgeries involving areas with complex nerve anatomy.
By continuously monitoring neural function, IONM helps in identifying and preventing nerve damage early in the surgical process. This can reduce the risk of postoperative complications, such as paralysis or sensory deficits. This is especially important in surgeries where there is a high risk of neurological complications.
By minimizing the risk of nerve injury, IONM contributes to reduced postoperative complications and morbidity. Patients may experience better outcomes and a quicker recovery.