Intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring of the facial nerve in operation of large acoustic neuromas

Objective To explore intraoperative protection of facial nerve and evaluate its function after operation in large acoustic neuromas surgery by electrophysiologic monitoring. Method A total of 42 patients'clinical data with large acoustic neuromas between Jun, 2007 and Mar, 2010 were analyzed retrospectively,who were treated microsurgically with intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring in our department. Results The facial nerve was preserved anatomically in 37 patients (88％). The function of facial nerve was kept well in 30 cases (71％). Stimulative intensity of 1 ～ 3 V at the end of operation is related to the good function of facial nerve. The proximal - to - distal amplitude ratio of facial nerve after surgery less than 0. 3 presented with a bad facial function. ConclusionsIntraoperative monitoring has significantly decreased facial nerve morbidity in large acoustic neuromas surgery. Stimulative intensity at the exit of facial nerve from brainstem is related to the facial nerve function negatively. The proximal - to - distal amplitude ratio can predict the facial nerve function positively following acoustic neuromas resection. Key words: Neuromas, acoustic;  Facial nerve;  Electrophysiologic monitoring; Function evaluation