Ultrasound Rounds: Anesthesiologist-Performed Intraoperative Point-of-Care Focused Assessment With Sonography in Trauma Examination Changes Surgical Management.

Abstract

Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) examinations have been performed for decades by surgeons during initial patient presentation for emergency care and surgical planning, as well as for guiding resuscitation. This case highlights how use of intraoperative FAST examinations performed by anesthesiologists can dramatically change patient management. Use by anesthesiologists perioperatively is an important skill, although it is not widely practiced.