Online signal processing of internal anal sphincter activity during pelvic autonomic nerve stimulation: a new method to improve the reliability of intra-operative neuromonitoring signals

Aim  Intra-operative neuromonitoring is increasingly applied in several surgical disciplines and has been introduced to facilitate pelvic autonomic nerve preservation. Nevertheless, it has been considered a questionable tool for the minimization of risk, as the results are variable and might be misleading. The aim of the present experimental study was to develop an intra-operative neuromonitoring system with improved reliability for monitoring pelvic autonomic nerve function. Method  Fifteen pigs underwent low anterior rectal resection with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation. Intra-operative neuromonitoring was performed under autonomic nerve stimulation with observation of electromyograph…

Continuous intraoperative monitoring of pelvic autonomic nerves as a microtechnological navigation instrument