Feasibility of Brachial Plexus Schwannoma Enucleation With Intraoperative Neuromonitoring.

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of brachial plexus schwannoma enucleation under intraoperative neuromonitoring. MethodsFive patients who were treated for brachial plexus schwannoma under intraoperative neuromonitoring from 2008 to 2018 were included in this retrospective review. Neuromonitoring was performed with a 100-μV event threshold of the neuromonitoring system (NIM-2 or 3) at the deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and brachioradialis muscles. Patient characteristics, tumor size and location, intraoperative neuromonitoring findings, and postoperative function were evaluated.ResultsThe intraoperative neuromonitoring findings were in accordance with the preoperative assessment of the included nerve root. Three patients had no postoperative morbidity, one patient had temporary paresthesia of the forearm for 2 months, and one patient mild loss of grip strength for 1 month. ConclusionIntraoperative neuromonitoring of the arm and forearm muscles during enucleation of brachial plexus schwannoma promoted confident and successful surgery with minimal postoperative morbidity.