Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39643277›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of spine surgery2025

Augmenting Endoscopic Transforaminal Spinal Decompression Surgery (Full Endoscopic Spine Surgery) Using Stimulated Electromyography Neuromonitoring Dilators.

Dickson Hong Him Chau, Dhivakaran Gengatharan, Walter-Soon-Yaw Wong

Abstract read
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Article in International journal of spine surgery, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Dickson Hong Him ChauDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Sengkang, Singapore.
Dhivakaran GengatharanDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Sengkang, Singapore.
Walter-Soon-Yaw WongDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Sengkang, Singapore walterwongsy@gmail.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundFull endoscopic spine surgery via a transforaminal approach (FESS-TFA) offers a minimally invasive approach for spinal decompression. However, it carries a risk of nerve root irritation or injury. Existing intraoperative neuromonitoring primarily provides retrospective warnings of potential nerve disturbance.

objectiveTo introduce the use of stimulated electromyography neuromonitoring dilators in FESS-TFA for proactive nerve protection, enhanced localization, and potential reduction in radiation exposure.

methodsThis technical note describes the first use of neuromonitoring dilators in FESS-TFA. A 6-mm dilator tipped with a stimulation electrode is introduced to provide real-time directional feedback regarding nerve proximity, allowing the surgeon to actively avoid accidental injury to the exiting nerve root. With the creation of a safe tract, subsequent introduction of working instruments would theoretically reduce the risk of neural injury.

resultsThe technique was successfully applied in a case of T11/T12 severe spinal stenosis, facilitating safe instrument passage and nerve localization. We describe the surgical technique and provide illustrative intraoperative details.

conclusionNeuromonitoring dilators represent a promising innovation in FESS-TFA with the potential to enhance patient safety and possibly streamline the procedure. Larger-scale studies are warranted to quantify the true impact of this technique on complication rates, operative time, and radiation exposure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This technique highlights a significant advancement in reducing neural complications during minimally invasive spinal surgeries. By proactively preventing nerve irritation or injury and reducing radiation exposure, it contributes to optimizing surgical workflows and improving patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5:

Indexed as

endoscopic spine surgerynerve irritationneuromonitoring

Identifiers

PMID39643277
PMCPMC12053123

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.