The Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in Anesthesiology: A Narrative Review.

Abstract

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an essential tool in modern anesthesiology, offering real-time imaging that aids in diagnosis, treatment, and procedural guidance. Its applications have expanded significantly, from routine assessments to complex perioperative management, enhancing patient care across various domains. This study aimed to review and summarize the current literature on the applications of POCUS in anesthesiology, focusing on its utility in airway management, cardiac assessment, lung ultrasound (LUS), and abdominopelvic evaluations. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and strategies for overcoming barriers to its widespread adoption. A narrative literature review was conducted, encompassing studies on using POCUS in anesthesiology. Key databases were searched for relevant articles ("Point-of-care ultrasound,""Focused cardiac ultrasound,""Lung ultrasound"),and studies were selected based on their relevance to the main topics of interest: airway management, cardiac ultrasound, LUS, and abdominopelvic and gastric ultrasound. Both observational studies and randomized controlled trials were included. POCUS improves the safety and accuracy of regional anesthesia and airway procedures, enhancing patient outcomes by providing real-time visualization. Focused cardiac ultrasound is valuable in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care, allowing for tailored anesthesia plans and timely interventions based on cardiac function. The US is an effective diagnostic tool for assessing pulmonary conditions, with specific signs and artifacts aiding in identifying pathologies such as pneumothorax, pleural effusions, and pulmonary congestion. Despite its benefits, POCUS faces barriers such as limited access to training, the need for standardized protocols, and the high equipment cost, especially in low-resource settings. While its integration into clinical practice continues to grow, overcoming challenges related to training, standardization, and equipment access is essential to realize its full potential. Continued efforts in education and research are needed to support the widespread adoption of POCUS in anesthesiology.