The pIOM technique enables the intraoperative monitoring of autonomic nerves in the small pelvis. The nerve structures can be monitored and nerve impairment avoided, thereby enabling the patient to maintain quality of life. The pIOM accessories developed by inomed for this specific procedure form an important part of the success of surgical interventions in the pelvis.
The world's newest methodology for pelvic monitoring is based on proven neuromonitoring techniques and technologies developed by inomed. The techniques and technologies have been developed following many years of clinical research in the processes of monitoring autonomic nerves in the pelvis. Following exhaustive testing and validation processes, the pIOM technique is now available for pelvic monitoring during intraoperative procedures.
Pelvic intraoperative monitoring helps surgeons to protect the anorectal and urogenital functions, and thus helps to maintain the patient's quality of life following surgery. As a result, pelvic monitoring can reduce postoperative follow-up costs and contribute to the delivery of state-of-the-art medicine.
pIOM technical applications currently include pelvic neuromonitoring and are especially useful for total mesorectal excision. The technology has other applications, for example, in small pelvis interventions nerve impairment may be prevented by the use of pelvic monitoring. Other surgical indications include proctology, gynecology and urology.
In order to use the pIOM technique for pelvic monitoring during surgery on a colorectal carcinoma >>, a range of pIOM accessories are required. Monitoring the anorectal function requires that electrodes are placed on the anal sphincter to conduct the EMG muscle response. The function of the bladder is monitored via bladder pressure measurement. Neuromodulation is performed by stimulating the corresponding nerve structures using a bipolar handheld probe. With an intact nerve function, a response signal is recorded from the anal sphincter electrodes and, depending on the nerve structure stimulated, a corresponding pressure measurement is performed and then made available. These responses are presented on screen, with an audio signal output being optional. With pelvic monitoring, the surgeon is able to localize nerve structures and test their function. The results are stored with the patient records and can be documented in accordance with procedure.
The monitoring of nerves and nerve structures is an important tool for surgical procedures in the small pelvis. The anorectal and urogenital functions can be monitored with accessories specially designed for pelvic monitoring. In this way, nerve impairment and any resulting dysfunctions can be avoided, while the quality of life for patients can be maintained postoperatively. Standardized implementation of pelvic monitoring can result in an improvement in patient care and a reduction in complication rates.
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