During which type of surgery are SSEPs primarily utilized?

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are primarily utilized during neurosurgery because they provide critical information regarding the functional integrity of sensory pathways in the brain and spinal cord. During neurosurgical procedures, especially those that involve manipulations near the spinal cord or brain, the monitoring of SSEPs allows the surgical team to assess the potential risk of nerve damage in real-time. By tracking changes in SSEP waveforms, any compromise in the sensory pathways can be detected early, prompting immediate corrective measures to minimize damage.

In contrast, while SSEPs can have applications in other types of surgery such as orthopedic or vascular, their primary significance and effectiveness are seen in neurosurgery. Other surgeries may rely more on different monitoring techniques tailored to their specific procedures and risks.