Evaluation of multimodal intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during supratentorial aneurysm surgery: a comparative study

The objective of this study is to determine the role of multimodal intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) in the overall outcome of intracranial aneurysms surgery, and the risk factors associated with ischemic complications. We grouped 268 ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms surgically treated at our institution into 2 cohorts, based on the use of IONM (180; 67.16%) or non-use of IONM (88; 32.84%). The IONM technique used was multimodal: electroencephalogram (EEG), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), transcranial (TES), and direct cortical (DCS) stimulation motor evoked potentials (MEPs). There was a significant difference, with a reduction in perioperative strokes (p?=?0.011) and better motor surgery-related outcome in the IONM group (p?=?0.016). Independent risk factors identified for surgery ischemic complications were temporary clipping time?≥?6′05″ (odds ratio [OR]: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.068–8.601; p?=?0.037), aneurysm size?≥?7.5 mm (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.127–6.235; p?=?0.026), and non-use of IONM (OR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.171–6.636; p?=?0.021). Conversely, aneurysm rupture was not detected as an independent risk factor (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 0.55–4.55; p?=?0.4). Longer temporary clipping time, larger aneurysm size, and the non-use of IONM could be considered as risk factors for ischemic complications during microsurgical clipping. A standardized designed protocol including multimodal IONM with DCS provides continuous information about blood supply and allows reduction of treatment-related morbidity. Multimodal IONM is a valuable technique in intracranial aneurysm surgery.