Initial experience with label-free stimulated Raman scattering microscopy for intraoperative assessment of peripheral nerves

•Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy is a rapid, label-free technique that images lipids well that may be uniquely suited for intraoperative assessment of peripheral nerves.•SRS microscopy using our novel technique for tissue preparation reliably produced cross-sectional images and showed good capability for imaging myelinated axons within fascicles.•This is a novel use for SRS microscopy, which we have shown can be used to quantify cross-sectional myelin in peripheral nerves.