Intraoperative ultrasound in the treatment of pancreatic diseases.

Abstract

Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) allows confirming and verifying the preoperative diagnosis. In many cases it allows correct determination of the severity of the disease, safe surgery performance and shortening its duration. Proper assessment of anatomic structures during the surgery and evaluation of the operating field after the treatment termination, in combination with their ultrasound evaluation that permits more complete assessment of radical treatment. The aim of the study was to define current indications for the use of intraoperative ultrasound in the treatment of pancreatic lesions, based on our own experience and the cited literature. The Clinic, where the authors work, uses intraoperative ultrasound in everyday practice. In this paper we try to share our experience in this imaging technique. Studies were compared before the procedure both in the ultrasound and CT examination rooms with the images obtained intraoperatively. Intraoperative examination was performed by the surgeon who performed assessment before the procedure, what enabled verification of diagnoses. Presented material refers to 102 IOUS procedures performed during laparotomy due to pancreatic lesions. IOUS is a reliable test for the evaluation of both inflammatory and acute lesions in the pancreas during the surgery of chronic, symptomatic pancreatitis. It correctly determines the extent of the planned surgery. In the case of pancreatic cancer it verifies local severity of the tumour lesions, assessing involving of the peripancreatic vessels, lymph nodes and the presence of local and distant metastases, including those in the liver. IOUS proved highly effective in the evaluation of endocrine and cystic pancreatic tumours. The study significantly improves the effectiveness of intraoperative BAC and aspiration or drainage of fluid reservoirs.