Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring in Microsurgical Therapy of Lipomas in the Area of the Conus medullaris

Spinal lipomas lead to „tethering“, an unphysiological clinging of the dura tube and the descending nerve roots in the area of the lower spinal canal. Furthermore, a direct tumor invasion around and in neural tissue can lead to progredient neurological deficits such as pareses, sensory deficits, and bladder and rectum dysfunction. The goal of neurosurgical intervention is to remove the tumor as soon as possible and undo the tethering, in order to improve neurological deficits and prevent further progression of the illness. Various neuro-physiological examination techniques are used intraoperatively for this, wit…