What should be the best recommendation when SSEPs and MEPs are lost after a surgical incident?

In the context of intraoperative monitoring, the loss of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) during surgery can signify potential neurological compromise. The recommended action in such situations is to prioritize patient safety and to communicate any significant changes in monitoring findings to the surgical team immediately.

Asking the surgeon to suspend the surgery and calling interoperative monitoring personnel is crucial because it allows for an assessment of the situation. Understanding the cause of the lost potentials is imperative—there could be external factors, such as surgical pressure on neural structures, that need to be addressed promptly. By halting the procedure, there is an opportunity to investigate and correct any issues, which can minimize the risk of permanent impairment or injury to the patient.

This proactive approach ensures that all necessary personnel are involved to address the issue effectively, allowing for a thorough evaluation, potential interventions, and, if applicable, resuming the operation with knowledge of the patient's current condition. Timely communication with the surgical team and monitoring personnel is integral in managing potential complications during surgery.