The importance of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for resection of lumbosacral plexus tumors

Abstract

Lumbosacral plexus tumors (LSPT) are rare lesions whose clinical presentation can be very nonspeci/fic, and which are usually identifiable through imaging exams. In order to facilitate complete tumor resection without loss of neurological function multimodal intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (MINM) has been employed, although the literature is still scarce and non-systematic. In this paper we aim to briefly review the lumbosacral plexus’ anatomy and describe the strategy adopted for intraoperative monitoring in the treatment of six patients with benign LSPT operated in the last 6 years. In our sudy, all patients improved pain, and none developed motor or sensitive deficit on postoperative period. We consider intraoperative monitoring critical during surgical resection, as a tool for preventing neurological deficit, and improving outcomes, that are particularly important given anatomical and functional significance of lumbosacral plexus tumors.