The Use of Intraoperative Ultrasound by Anesthesiologists to Facilitate the Surgical Management of Peripheral Nerve Tumors of the Upper Extremity

Abstract

Traditional uses of ultrasound by anesthesiologists include transesophageal echocardiography, facilitation of vascular access, and guidance of peripheral nerve blocks. In this case series, we report a novel application of ultrasound by anesthesiologists to facilitate the operative dissection of upper extremity peripheral nerve tumors. In four cases, ultrasound was used to intraoperatively locate the tumor, plan the safest surgical approach, and exclude tumor vascularity. Ultrasound can be used by anesthesiologists to facilitate the surgical management of peripheral nerve tumors.