Intraoperative Ultrasound Findings Research Articles

Synchronous multicentric small hepatocellular carcinomas: defining the capsule on high-frequency intraoperative ultrasonography with pathologic correlation.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to define the capsules of synchronous multicentric small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with use of high-frequency intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS).MethodsAmong the 131 consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resection and high-frequency IOUS for HCC, 16 synchronous multicentric small HCCs in 13 patients were histologically diagnosed in the resected specimens. High-frequency IOUS and pathologic findings of these lesions were compared, with particular focus on the presence and appearance of the capsule in or around each lesion.ResultsSynchronous multicentric small HCCs were pathologically classified into distinctly nodular (n=12) or vaguely nodular (n=4) types. All 12 distinctly nodular HCCs including six subcentimeter lesions showed detectable capsules on high-frequency IOUS and pathology. The capsules appeared as a hypoechoic rim containing hyperechoic foci (n=6), hypoechoic rim (n=5), or hyperechoic rim (n=1) with varying degrees of coverage around each lesion. Histologically, the capsules were composed of a combination of one to four layers consisting of a fibrous capsule, peritumoral fibrosis, prominent small vessels, and entrapped hepatic parenchyma.ConclusionSynchronous multicentric small HCCs with distinctly nodular type, even at subcentimeter size, can show capsules with varying coverage and diverse echogenicity on high-frequency IOUS.

Intraoperative ultrasonography and surgical strategy in hepatic resection: What difference does it make?

With modern advancements in preoperative imaging for liver surgery, intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) may be perceived as superfluous. Our aim was to determine if IOUS provides new information that changes surgical strategy in hepatic resection. We retrospectively analyzed 121 consecutive liver resections performed at a single institution. Preoperative computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging determined the initial surgical strategy. The size, location and number of lesions were compared between IOUS and preoperative imaging. Reviewing the operative report helped determine if new IOUS findings led to changes in surgical strategy. Pathology reports were analyzed for margins. Of 121 procedures analyzed, IOUS was used in 88. It changed the surgical plan in 15 (17%) cases. Additional tumours were detected in 10 (11%) patients. A change in tumour size and location were detected in 2 (2%) and 3 (4%) patients, respectively. Surgical plans were altered in 7 (8%) cases for reasons not related to IOUS. There was no significant difference (p = 0.74) in average margin length between the IOUS and non-IOUS groups (1.09 ± 1.18 cm v. 1.18 ± 1.05 cm). Surgical strategy was altered owing to IOUS results in a substantial number of cases, and IOUS-guided resection planes resulted in R0 resections in nearly all procedures. The best operative plan in hepatic resection includes IOUS.

Management of Chiari I malformation in children: effectiveness of intra-operative ultrasound for tailoring foramen magnum decompression.

Patients with Chiari I malformation (CM-1) commonly undergo foramen magnum decompression (FMD). However, there is no consensus on how this should be achieved. An approach would be to rationalize surgical steps based on pre-operative imaging and intra-operative findings. The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of intra-operative ultrasound scanning (IOUS) in tailoring foramen magnum decompression in children with CM-1 and whether the use of IOUS is effective in reducing the risk of complications without increasing the need for re-operation. We performed a retrospective study. IOUS was utilized during FMD: a subjective assessment was made on whether there was adequate cerebellar tonsillar and/or CSF pulsation following suboccipital craniectomy. If there was adequate pulsation, the dura was not opened. Additional data were collected including age and gender of patients, presence of pre-operative syringomyelia, intra-operative ultrasound findings, length of follow-up, complications and radiological and clinical outcome. The statistical analysis was performed with XLStat®(Addinsoft SARL™, France). Nineteen patients underwent FMD from June 2011 to December 2012. The mean age was 10.5 years; there were nine females and ten males. Eleven patients had syringomyelia at diagnosis. Based on IOUS, eight patients underwent dural decompression and 11 patients bony decompression only. One patient had a post-operative pseudomeningocoele and two patients required re-operation. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups regarding post-operative improvement in the syrinx. We found that tailoring FMD for patients with CM-1 using intra-operative findings using ultrasound scan was useful in avoiding unnecessary manoeuvres, while not compromising on the outcome.

Ablation of colorectal liver metastases by irreversible electroporation: results of the COLDFIRE-I ablate-and-resect study.

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a new ablation technique that relies on high-voltage electrical pulses. This clinical study evaluates the pathological response of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) treated with IRE and the clinical safety and feasibility. Ten patients with resectable CRLM were included. During laparotomy, the metastases were treated with IRE and resected 60min later. Safety and feasibility were assessed based on adverse events, laboratory values, technical success and intra-operative ultrasound findings. Tissue response was assessed using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) vitality staining and (immuno)histochemical stainings (HE, complement-3d and caspase-3). Ten lesions with a mean diameter of 2.4cm were successfully electroporated and resected, on average, 84min later (range 51-153min). One minor transient cardiac arrhythmia occurred during IRE. Ultrasound showed a sharply demarcated hypoechoic ablation zone around the tumour. TTC showed avitality of all lesions, covering the complete tumour in 8/10 lesions. Although immunohistochemistry proved heterogeneous and difficult to interpret within the tumours, it confirmed irreversible cell damage in the tumour-free margin of all specimens. This ablate-and-resect study demonstrated avitality caused by IRE of CRLM in humans. Further characterisation of tissue- and tumour-specific electrical properties is warranted to improve ablation protocols for maximised tissue ablation. • Irreversible electroporation induces cell death in colorectal liver metastases within 1h. • The ablation zone shows a sharp demarcation between avital and vital tissue. • Apoptosis is involved in cell death of colorectal liver metastases after IRE. • Effects of IRE can be monitored real-time using intraoperative ultrasound. • Local electrical heterogeneities of tumour tissue may require tumour-specific ablation protocols.

The role of intraoperative ultrasound for the assessment of the focal liver lesions in patients with colorectal cancer.

To evaluate the concordance between intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) and abdominal ultrasound (US) for the characterization of focal liver lesions in patients with colorectal cancer, and to evaluate the way in which IOUS influences the initially established hepatic surgical protocol based on abdominal US only. In this prospective study 73 patients with colorectal cancer and focal liver lesions found during IOUS were included. Abdominal US and IOUS findings were compared. The initially established hepatic surgical protocol based on abdominal US only was recorded. All patients in whom IOUS influenced this protocol and the way in which this was influenced were recorded. Of the 73 patients, 41 (56.2%) had focal liver lesions classified as malignant by IOUS. In 26 of the 73 patients (35.6%), there were discordances between abdominal US and IOUS. IOUS influenced the operative protocol in 9 of the 73 patients included in the study (12.3%), and in 8 of the 41 patients with malignant lesions (19.5%). IOUS influenced the operative protocol by cancelling the preoperative hepatic surgery decision by evidencing the additional multiple malignant focal liver lesions, following the classification of some lesions as benign or by demonstrating the non-resectable character of other lesions. IOUS also determined unplanned hepatic resections by detecting resectable malignant lesions undiagnosed by abdominal US, and extended or limited the scheduled hepatic surgery based on abdominal US only. There were inconsistencies between IOUS and abdominal US, therefore in patients with colorectal cancer IOUS provided additional information about focal liver lesions. IOUS influenced the operative protocol and consequently, unnecessary liver surgery was avoided. Also, IOUS identified malignant resectable liver lesions which were undetected by abdominal US.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound: Improving the preoperative staging of hepatocellular carcinoma and guiding individual treatment.

To investigate the clinical role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) or magnetic resonance imaging to improve the preoperative staging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and guide surgical decision-making. Sixty-nine patients who underwent liver resection for HCC in our center were enrolled prospectively in the study. CEUS and CE-CT/MRI were performed before surgery. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) was carried out after liver mobilization. Lesions depicted by each imaging modality were counted and mapped. To investigate the impact of tumor size on the study, we divided the patients into two groups, the "Smaller group"(S-group, ≤ 5 cm in diameter) and the "Larger-group" (L-group, > 5 cm in diameter). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CE-CT/MRI, CEUS, IOUS, CEUS+CE-CT/MRI and the tumor node metastasis staging of tumors were calculated and compared. Changes in the surgical strategy as a result of CEUS and IOUS were analyzed. One hundred and twenty-seven nodules, comprising 94 HCCs confirmed by histopathology and 33 benign lesions confirmed by histopathology and follow-up, were identified in 69 patients. The overall diagnostic sensitivity rates of CE-CT/MRI, CEUS, IOUS and CEUS+ CE-CT/MRI were 78.7%, 89.4%, 89.4% and 89.4%, respectively. There was a significant difference between CEUS + CE-CT/MRI and CE-CT/MRI (P = 0.046). Combining CEUS with CT or MRI increased, the diagnostic specificity compared with CT/MRI, CEUS and IOUS, and this difference was statistically significant (100%, 72.7%, 97.0%, and 69.7%, P = 0.004, P = 0.002, P = 0.002, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher for CEUS + CT/MRI compared with CT/MRI (92.1% vs 77.2%, P = 0.001). The TNM staging of tumors based on CEUS + CE-CT/MRI approximated to the final pathological TNM staging (P = 0.977). There was a significant difference in the accuracy of TNM staging when comparing CEUS + CE-CT/MRI with CE-CT/MRI (P = 0.002). Before surgery, strategies were changed in 15.9% (11/69) of patients as a result of CEUS. Finally, only 5.7% (4/69) of surgical strategies were changed because of IOUS findings. In the S-group, CEUS revealed 12 false positive lesions, including seven false positive lesions that were diagnosed by preoperative imaging examinations and five by IOUS. In contrast, in the L-group, IUOS revealed eight new malignant lesions; six of these lesions were true HCCs that were also identified by preoperative CEUS. CEUS combined with CT or MRI improves the accuracy of preoperative staging for hepatocellular carcinoma and may help to guide individualized treatment for patients with HCC. CEUS may better identify non-malignant lesions in patients with small tumors and discover new malignant lesions in patients with large tumors.

High Sensitivity of Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging for the Detection of Liver Metastases from Neuroendocrine Tumors: Comparison with T2-weighted and Dynamic Gadolinium-enhanced MR Imaging

To compare the sensitivity and specificity of diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for identifying liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumor (NET) to those of T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) and three-dimensional dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging, with surgical and histopathologic findings as the reference standard. This retrospective study was approved by institutional review board, and informed consent was waived. Fifty-nine patients with NETs (41 patients with 162 liver metastases, and 18 control subjects with no liver metastases) underwent MR imaging that included DW, T2-weighted FSE, and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR sequences. Images were retrospectively reviewed by two abdominal radiologists, independently, for the detection and characterization of liver metastases. MR findings were compared with histopathologic and intraoperative ultrasonography findings for metastasis on a lesion-by-lesion basis to determine the sensitivity of each MR sequence alone and combined. Specificity was calculated by using the control population. Interreader agreement for each MR sequence and McNemar test were also calculated. There was excellent agreement between observers 1 and 2 for characterizing liver metastases at per-lesion analysis (κ coefficient: 0.86-1.00). DW MR was more sensitive (observer 1: sensitivity, 71.6% [116 of 162], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 64.2%, 78.0%; observer 2: sensitivity, 71.0% [115 of 162], 95% CI: 63.6%, 77.4%) than T2-weighted FSE (observer 1: sensitivity, 55.6% [90 of 162], 95% CI: 47.9%, 63.0%; observer 2: sensitivity, 55.6% [90 of 162], 95% CI: 47.9%, 63.0%) and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR (observer 1: sensitivity, 47.5% [77 of 162], 95% CI: 34.0%, 55.2%; observer 2: sensitivity, 48.1% [78 of 162], 95% CI: 40.6%, 55.8%) (P < .001 for both, McNemar test). The specificity of these sequences ranged from 88.9% to 100% (DW MR vs T2-weighted FSE MR: P > .99, DW MR vs dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR: P = .61, and T2-weighted FSE MR vs dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR: P = .61, McNemar test). DW MR imaging was more sensitive for the detection and characterization of liver metastases from NETs than T2-weighted FSE and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging and should be systematically performed.

Utility of an intraoperative ultrasound in lateral approach mini-parathyroidectomy with discordant pre-operative imaging

Objectives of this study were to assess the utility of intra-operative ultrasound to resolve discordant pre-operative imaging prior to a lateral approach mini-parathyroidectomy, by studying prospective case series in a head and neck endocrine unit. Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism due to a single adenoma with discordant pre-operative ultrasound and sestamibi were enrolled. They underwent a further intra-operative ultrasound by a head and neck radiologist with a view to proceed with a mini-parathyroidectomy. The main outcome measure was utility of intra-operative ultrasound compared to operative findings and pre-operative imaging. Secondary measures were complications of mini-parathyroidectomy, operative and ambulatory discharge time. Twenty-two patients underwent surgery with intra-operative ultrasound in the surgical position. The intra-operative ultrasound findings correlated with the operative findings in all cases (100 %). There were 16 inferior adenomas and 6 superior adenomas. Six inferior adenomas were in a retrosternal position, eight were obscured by benign thyroid lesions and a further two reported pre-operatively as superior. Three out of six superior adenomas were reported as inferior pre-operatively as the inferior thyroid artery was inadequately visualised, two were retro-carotid and one was retro-oesophageal. All patients were discharged within 23 h of surgery. There were no unsuccessful focused explorations. Histological analysis confirmed the adenomas. No morbidity (vocal cord palsy, haematoma, hungry bones) was noted. The results indicated that intra-operative ultrasound by a dedicated radiologist is a valuable tool in resolving discordance of pre-operative imaging. Appropriate patient positioning with neck extension and muscle relaxation allows placement of the probe in the obscure retro-carotid and retro-oesophageal locations and unmasks apparent "mediastinal" parathyroids facilitating focused dissection.

Diagnostic performance of MDCT, PET/CT and gadoxetic acid (Primovist®)-enhanced MRI in patients with colorectal liver metastases being considered for hepatic resection: initial experience in a single centre

To compare the relative diagnostic performance of MDCT, PET/CT and Primovist-enhanced MRI (P-MRI) in the pre-resection work-up of colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases. This was a retrospective study of consecutive referrals for CRC liver metastases. All patients had MDCT, PET/CT and P-MRI examinations within 3 months of each other. They were divided into 2 groups: resected and unresected. Patients in the resected group underwent liver resection within 3 months of the imaging studies. In the unresected group, patients were unresectable by imaging criteria or are awaiting surgery. Standard of reference (SOR) was intra-operative ultrasound findings and pathology for the resected group. Intermodality comparison was the SOR for the unresected group. Number of lesions identified by each imaging modality for each patient was recorded. Sensitivity (95% CI) and PPV were calculated for each imaging modality in the resected group. There were 19 patients in the resected group and 11 patients in the unresected group. The sensitivity (96%) and PPV (0.91) of P-MRI were both superior to that of MDCT (P = 0.0009) and PET/CT (P = 0.0003). Intermodality comparison showed that P-MRI detected more lesions than MDCT and PET/CT. The sensitivity and PPV of P-MRI was superior to that of MDCT and PET/CT. P-MRI probably has the most added value if used after MDCT and PET/CT in patients still considered eligible for liver resection.

Usefulness of Ultrasonography With a Burr-hole Transducer During Surgery Through a Burr hole

Ultrasonography has become a common method for evaluation of the central nervous system. We present our experience with ultrasonography monitoring with a burr-hole transducer for investigation of intracranial lesions. Common indications for this technique included guidance for placement of catheters, localization of masses, aspiration of cystic lesion, and confirmation of removal. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) was obtained to corroborate the appropriate procedures performed under ultrasonography guidance. Intraoperative ultrasonography provided immediate real-time information about the anatomy and pathological location of lesions. Postoperative CT findings were consistent with intraoperative ultrasonography findings. No procedure-related complication was noted and problems were minimal. Intraoperative ultrasonography using a burr-hole transducer has proved to be useful in burr-hole surgery.

Intraoperative ultrasonography as a guide to patient selection for duraplasty after suboccipital decompression in children with Chiari malformation Type I

Indications for duraplasty in treatment of Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) remain unclear. In the present study, the authors evaluate their surgical experience to determine whether intraoperative ultrasonography is effective in the selection of patients with CM-I who can be adequately treated with craniectomy alone without duraplasty. The authors reviewed the records of 256 children who underwent first-time hindbrain decompression for CM-I. Craniectomy alone (without duraplasty) was performed when intraoperative ultrasonography suggested adequate decompression of the subarachnoid spaces ventral and dorsal to the tonsils after suboccipital craniectomy alone. Duraplasty was performed if intraoperative ultrasonography demonstrated persistent dural compression of the tonsils following craniectomy. Symptom recurrence as a function of time was compared between cases of duraplasty versus suboccipital decompression alone stratified by extent of tonsillar herniation. Duraplasty was performed in 140 patients (55%), and suboccipital decompression alone was performed in 116 patients (45%). Patients underwent follow-up for 29 +/- 15 months. Symptoms included headache in 192 patients (75%) and lower cranial nerve and brainstem dysfunction in 68 (27%). In 38 patients (15%) there was tonsillar herniation rostral to the C-1 lamina, in 195 (76%) it extended between the C-1 and C-2 lamina, and in 23 patients (9%) there was herniation caudal to the lower border of the C-2 lamina. In children with tonsillar herniation caudal to C-1, ultrasonography-guided suboccipital decompression alone was associated with a 2-fold increase in the risk of symptom recurrence compared with those who also underwent duraplasty (p = 0.01). In children with tonsillar herniation rostral to C-1, outcome was equivalent between suboccipital decompression alone and duraplasty (p = 0.41). In the setting of moderate-to-severe tonsillar CM-I, intraoperative ultrasonography demonstrating decompression of the subarachnoid spaces ventral and dorsal to the tonsils may not effectively select patients in whom bone decompression alone is sufficient. Duraplasty may be warranted in cases of tonsillar herniation that extends below the C-1 lamina regardless of intraoperative ultrasonography findings. More objective cerebrospinal fluid flow or volumetric measures may be needed intraoperatively to guide duraplasty in patients with more pronounced tonsillar herniation.

Intra‐operative ultrasound for detection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS) imaging in detecting liver secondaries at the time of primary colorectal surgery and to evaluate the impact of IOUS on patient management. Data from 167 patients with primary colorectal cancer who were admitted for elective surgery between January 1995 and December 2003 were prospectively evaluated and analysed. All patients underwent pre-operative abdominal ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT), as well as IOUS. The final diagnosis of liver metastases was made by means of histological examination of either biopsy or surgical specimens. The sensitivities of pre-operative US and CT were compared with the sensitivity of IOUS, referred to histology. Changes in surgical management owing to IOUS findings were noted. IOUS supplied additional information in the case of 31 patients. In 28 of these patients, this information had a major impact on the intra-operative strategy, in that the procedure was altered. IOUS is safe, simple to perform and more accurate than pre-operative imaging. It reduces the number of patients subjected to superfluous surgery. The use of IOUS is therefore encouraged during colorectal cancer surgery.

Intraoperative US in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Liver Neoplasms: Comparison with MR Imaging

To retrospectively compare intraoperative ultrasonography (US) and preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with contrast material enhancement for the depiction of liver lesions in patients undergoing hepatic resection. A radiologist (D.V.S.) and a surgeon (K.K.T.) retrospectively identified 79 patients (36 female and 43 male patients; age range, 10-78 years; mean age, 57 years) who had undergone surgical resection for primary liver tumor or metastasis and had also undergone preoperative contrast-enhanced MR imaging within 6 weeks before surgery. MR imaging was performed with a 1.5-T system. Dedicated intraoperative US of the liver was performed or supervised by a gastrointestinal radiologist using a 7.5-MHz linear-array transducer, after adequate hepatic mobilization by the surgeon. Histopathologic evaluation of the 159 resected hepatic lesions served as the reference standard. The lesion distribution included colon cancer metastasis (n = 122), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 23), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 6), cavernous hemangioma (n = 4), focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 2), hamartoma (n = 1), and metastatic embryonal sarcoma (n = 1). Of 159 lesions, 138 (86.7%) were identified at both MR imaging and intraoperative US. Twelve additional lesions (7.5%) in 10 patients were detected only at intraoperative US (eight metastases, one hepatocellular carcinoma, one cholangiocarcinoma, one hemangioma, and one biliary hamartoma). Both modalities failed to depict nine lesions (5.6%) (four metastases, four hepatocellular carcinomas, and one cholangiocarcinoma). The sensitivities of MR imaging and intraoperative US for liver lesion depiction were 86.7% and 94.3%, respectively. Surgical management was altered on the basis of the intraoperative US findings in only three of 10 patients (4%). Contrast-enhanced MR imaging is as sensitive as intraoperative US in depicting liver lesions before hepatic resection.

The value of intraoperative ultrasound during hepatic resection compared with improved preoperative magnetic resonance imaging

Background: Patients with colorectal metastases confined to the liver may be cured by resection. Combined bimanual palpation and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) augment the detection of colorectal hepatic metastases. The importance of IOUS in the surgical management of hepatic tumors has been demonstrated and should arguably be considered the final diagnostic procedure. Objective: To determine the relevance of routine IOUS prior to hepatic resection compared with improved preoperative Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients and methods: Eighty patients with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma underwent hepatic resection between 1998 and 2001. The IOUS results were compared with preoperative MRI, bimanual palpation, and resection histopathology. The preoperative surgical plan was compared with the surgical procedure performed. Data were retrospectively analyzed. Results: IOUS provided additional useful information not available preoperatively for 37 (47%) patients, including the identification of subcentimetre metastatic lesions, characterization of the lesion, and the anatomy of the hepatic vasculature. The preoperative surgical plan was changed secondary to the IOUS findings alone in 14/80 (18%) patients. IOUS did not provide any additional useful information for 43 (53%) patients. A correlation was demonstrated between the preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative findings, and resection histopathology. Conclusion: Accurate diagnostic studies facilitate critically decisive actions during planned hepatic resection(s). The current findings suggest that IOUS provide the most useful additional information for hepatic lesions, despite recent improvements in preoperative MRI scanning. Furthermore, routine IOUS should be employed during hepatic resection for colorectal metastases.

Overlapping sphincteroplasty: does preservation of the scar influence immediate outcome?

BACKGROUND: The importance of the overlapping scar in an anterior sphincteroplasty is often emphasized. The aim of this study was to identify the tissue type used in overlapping sphincter repair based upon ultrasound images, and to correlate these results with the immediate clinical outcome. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on all patients with faecal incontinence who underwent anterior overlapping sphincteroplasty between June 1998 and May 1999. Continence was assessed by a standardized incontinence score ranging from 0 to 20. Pre-operative ultrasound images were compared to intraoperative ultrasound findings for each patient. In each case the surgeon performed an overlap of what was grossly felt to represent scar after which a single blinded observer performed intraoperative ultrasound. The degree of overlap was measured and classified as hyperechoic over hyperechoic (muscle over muscle; Type 1), hyperechoic over or under hypoechoic (muscle over or under scar; Type 2), hypoechoic over hypoechoic (scar over scar; Type 3). The patient follow-up included incontinence score that was obtained by telephone interview; suboptimal outcome was considered as an incontinence score >/= 6. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs test. RESULTS: Fourteen female patients with a mean age of 51.6 (range 28-79) years were evaluated. The mean pre-operative incontinence score was 17.1 (range 7-20) and 13 of the 14 (93%) patients had an incontinence score >/= 15. All pre-operative ultrasound images were hypoechoic which correlated with the surgeon's intraoperative findings of scar. The operative appearance included two Type 1, four Type 2, and eight Type 3 images. Larger pre-operative ultrasound image defects were statistically significantly related to intraoperative Type 3 ultrasound images. At a mean follow up of 7.5 (range 2-16) months the mean postoperative incontinence score was 4.5 (range 0-12). In patients with Type 1 and Type 2 images, the mean postoperative score was 8.6 (range 4-12) whereas in patients with Type 3 it was 1.3 (range 0-5) (P < 0.003); 7 of the 8 patients in Type 3 (87.5%) had an incontinence score </= 2. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results show a significant immediate benefit to the overlap of scar over scar, however, such overlapping may not always be achieved despite the surgeon's intent. Furthermore, larger pre-operative defects may predispose to more extensive anterior scarring and thus a better chance of achieving this desired overlap.

Impact of intraoperative ultrasonography on surgical treatment of liver tumours

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) on surgical decision-making in patients with liver tumours. Material and Methods: IOUS of the liver was performed in 116 patients undergoing surgery for liver tumours. The patients were evaluated preoperatively by ultrasonography, CT and in some cases, by ERCP and scintigraphy. IOUS findings were compared with the results of preoperative imaging and surgical findings. Results: The surgical procedures were altered in 50 cases (43%), extended in 19 cases (16%) and reduced in 8 cases (7%). Twenty-three patients (20%) were found inoperable. Intraoperative evaluation caused surgical modification by IOUS in 13 patients (11%), by surgical findings in 14 patients (12%) and by a combination of both in 23 patients (20%). Conclusion: IOUS is a precise diagnostic method for staging the operability of liver tumours. Unnecessary surgical procedures can be avoided. In total, IOUS altered the preoperative plan in one-third of our patients and is therefore recommended as a routine procedure in connection with major liver surgery.

IMPACT OF INTRAOPERATIVE ULTRASONOGRAPHY ON SURGICAL TREATMENT OF LIVER TUMOURS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) on surgical decision-making in patients with liver tumours. IOUS of the liver was performed in 116 patients undergoing surgery for liver tumours. The patients were evaluated preoperatively by ultrasonography, CT and in some cases, by ERCP and scintigraphy. IOUS findings were compared with the results of preoperative imaging and surgical findings. The surgical procedures were altered in 50 cases (43%), extended in 19 cases (16%) and reduced in 8 cases (7%). Twenty-three patients (20%) were found inoperable. Intraoperative evaluation caused surgical modification by IOUS in 13 patients (11%), by surgical findings in 14 patients (12%) and by a combination of both in 23 patients (20%). IOUS is a precise diagnostic method for staging the operability of liver tumours. Unnecessary surgical procedures can be avoided. In total, IOUS altered the preoperative plan in one-third of our patients and is therefore recommended as a routine procedure in connection with major liver surgery.

Role of computed tomographic arterial portography and intraoperative ultrasound in the evaluation of patients for resectability of hepatic lesions

Computed tomographic arterial portography (CTAP) has been shown to be the most sensitive preoperative test for determining resectability of hepatic lesions but we have shown it to have low specificity. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) evaluation of the liver has also been proposed as an accurate means of assessing resectability. We sought to compare the effectiveness of the two modalities. Fifty-six patients who had been deemed candidates for liver resection based on CTAP findings underwent systematic exploration, liver mobilization, and IOUS examination. Ultrasound findings were compared with results of CTAP. In 46 patients the IOUS findings were in complete agreement with those of CTAP. In 10 patients CTAP lesions could not be verified by IOUS and these patients did not undergo resection. Follow-up of these 10 patients revealed eight who did not have progression of malignancy at the CTAP-predicted site (CTAP false positive). Two patients did have progression at a CTAP-positive IOUS-negative site (IOUS false negative). Sensitivity for CTAP and IOUS was 100% and 96%, respectively. Specificity for IOUS was 100%. These findings demonstrate the high sensitivity of CTAP and the high sensitivity and specificity of IOUS. CTAP may “overcall” hepatic lesions but IOUS can correctly identify these false positives in most instances. Because CTAP is useful for determining which patients might benefit from surgical exploration, we conclude that the two modalities are complementary for the assessment of resectability of hepatic lesions. The false positive rate for CTAP implies that caution must be used when declining to operate on patients on the basis of this test.

Appraisal of intraoperative ultrasonography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The usefulness of intraoperative ultrasonography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has yet to be evaluated fully. In 50 patients who underwent LC, the intraoperative ultrasonography findings were compared with those of preoperative ultrasonography, intraoperative cholangiography, and histology, and then its usefulness for examining anatomic relationships in the hepatoduodenal ligament, detecting bile duct stones, diagnosing gallbladder polyps and abnormally thickened walls, and determining the propriety of LC was appraised. The preoperative ultrasonography diagnoses were gallstones in 38 patients, polyps in 10, and cancer and adenomyomatosis in one each. In four patients endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed bile duct stones. In all 50 patients intraoperative ultrasonography was useful for examining the anatomic relationships between the bile duct and vessels, such as the portal vein and hepatic artery, and showing the presence or absence of bile duct stones. On the basis of the intraoperative ultrasonography findings, gallstones were diagnosed in 38 patients, in five of whom bile duct stones were shown clearly, cholesterol polyps in eight, early-stage cancer or adenoma in two, and adenomyomatosis in two, and subsequently LC was performed. Histologic diagnoses of cholesterol polyps were made in eight of ten patients with polyps, and intramucosal cancer and an inflammatory polyp in one each. In one patient with a preoperative diagnosis of cancer the apparently elevated flat lesion was found to be partial thickening of the gallbladder wall, which was diagnosed as adenomyomatosis, and LC was chosen as the operative procedure. Intraoperative ultrasonography during LC is useful for detecting bile duct stones, diagnosing gallbladder polyps and abnormally thickened walls, and deciding whether LC is adequate for resection of the gallbladder.

Evaluation of Color Doppler Intraoperative Ultrasound in Parenchymal Sparing Renal Surgery

A renal parenchymal sparing surgical approach may be recommended in select patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease and renal cancer or in those with sporadic renal cancer and limited normal renal function. We performed 27 partial nephrectomies or enucleations in 17 patients with the use of intraoperative ultrasound to examine a subset of all renal lesions identified on preoperative examination.Of 24 lesions deep in the renal parenchyma that were examined, localized or identified with intraoperative ultrasound 18 were characterized as cystic and 6 as solid. The deep cystic lesions were characterized with ultrasound as benign simple cysts. Intraoperative ultrasound was used to locate and mark the line of incision over 2 impalpable solid renal cell carcinomas. Four solid renal cell tumors extended deep into the renal parenchyma where color Doppler intraoperative ultrasound helped to define the plane of dissection adjacent to vital vascular structures. Renal hypothermia was not used in 3 renal operations based on intraoperative ultrasound findings.