Preoperative transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for localizing superficial nerve paths.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Background:

• Peripheral nerve paths can be unpredictable due to prior surgeries or tumor compression.
• Iatrogenic nerve injury is a significant surgical complication requiring prevention.
• Preoperative evaluation of nerve pathways is crucial for surgical safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for preoperative peripheral nerve mapping.
• To assess TENS's accuracy in identifying nerve paths for surgical planning.
• To determine if TENS can reduce the risk of intraoperative nerve damage.

Main Methods:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was employed for superficial nerve mapping in 27 patients.
• An electrode pen connected to an electrical nerve stimulator was used.
• TENS was applied to major peripheral nerves near tumor resection or trauma surgical fields.

Main Results:

• Preoperative nerve paths were successfully detected in most patients using TENS.
• Nerve paths matched preoperative markings in 26 out of 27 patients.
• One patient showed a significant deviation in nerve path, correlating with postoperative numbness.

Conclusions:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a highly accurate, noninvasive tool for preoperative peripheral nerve localization.
• TENS facilitates precise surgical planning, enhancing the safety and smoothness of tumor resection and trauma surgeries.
• This method offers a valuable, user-friendly approach to minimize nerve damage during surgery.