Surgeon-performed Ultrasound Research Articles

Evaluation of Surgeon-Performed Ultrasonography With or Without Contrast Enhancement vs Scintigraphy in Patients With Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Scintigraphy and ultrasonography are common imaging modalities for the preoperative localization of enlarged parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism. When comparing the 2 modalities, the benefits of ultrasonography in terms of convenience, patient comfort, duration, cost, and lack of radiation should be taken into account. To investigate whether surgeon-performed ultrasonography, with or without contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), is noninferior to scintigraphy for localizing pathological parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Prospective, paired, noninferiority cohort study performed at a high-volume tertiary referral center for parathyroidectomy with blinded examiners and a 6-month follow-up. Participants were adults (age ≥18 years) referred for parathyroidectomy due to primary hyperparathyroidism. Of 207 eligible patients, 35 were excluded, leaving 172 enrolled in the study. Inclusion lasted from September 2019 until February 2021. Follow-up ended in December 2021. 99mTechnetium-pertechnetate/99mtechnetium-sestamibi subtraction scintigraphy with 99mtechnetium-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, followed by surgeon-performed ultrasonography and CEUS. The sensitivity of each imaging modality in localizing pathological parathyroid glands, calculated on a per-quadrant and a per-patient basis, respectively. The a priori noninferiority margin was a lower 95% confidence limit for the difference in sensitivity not falling below -10%. Out of 172 participants, 139 (80.8%) were women, the median (range) age was 65 (24-87) years, and the median (IQR) follow-up was 200.5 (181-280.25) days. Quadrant sensitivity (95% CI) was 70.9% (63.2%-78.5%) for ultrasonography, 68.4% (60.4%-76.5%) for ultrasonography plus CEUS, and 67.0% (60.0%-74.0%) for scintigraphy. The sensitivity difference (95% CI) compared with scintigraphy was 3.9% (-4.1% to 11.8%) for ultrasonography and 1.5% (-6.4% to 9.3%) for ultrasonography plus CEUS, establishing noninferiority for both modalities. Per-patient sensitivity was 81.4% (74.8%-86.9%) for ultrasonography and 79.1% (72.2%-84.9%) for both scintigraphy and ultrasonography plus CEUS. The sensitivity difference compared with scintigraphy was 2.3% (-6.8% to 11.4%) for ultrasonography and 0.0% (-9.1% to 9.1%) for ultrasonography plus CEUS, establishing noninferiority for both modalities. In this cohort study, conventional ultrasonography by an experienced parathyroid surgeon-sonographer was noninferior to scintigraphy and may constitute a valid first-line imaging modality in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, even without the addition of CEUS. Further imaging should be reserved for cases that are equivocal or nonlocalizing on ultrasonography.

Surgeon-performed ultrasound changes surgical management in patients with thyroid cancer.

A comprehensive neck ultrasound (US) is essential in the operative planning of patients with thyroid disease. Recent literature has shown surgeon-performed US (SUS) can be more accurate than radiology-performed US for the purpose of surgical planning. Missed findings on radiology-performed ultrasound may lead to inadequate surgical management. A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancer, with both radiology-performed US and SUS performed by a Head and Neck surgeon. Ultrasound findings and adherence to American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines were compared, and changes in management based on SUS findings were identified. A total of 26 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with lateral neck dissection met the inclusion criteria. Preconsultation US investigations fulfilled criteria as recommended by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines in 57.7%% of cases. The central and lateral neck compartments were assessed in 57.7% and 84.6% of preconsultation US investigations respectively. Central and lateral metastatic neck metastases were incorrectly reported or not reported in 78.6% and 42.3% of cases. The SUS findings prompted a change in surgical management in 65.4% of cases. SUS changed surgical management in two thirds (65.4%) of patients. Reliance on radiology-performed ultrasound alone may result in incorrect staging. Awareness of the additional benefits of SUS is important for surgeons treating patients with thyroid disease to prevent inadequate surgery being performed.

Surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided head and neck procedures during COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe ultrasonographic procedure is a common diagnostic and therapeutic method in daily medical practice. Surgeon-performed ultrasound (SUS) has been gaining popularity, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsTwo ENT surgeons performed US-guided diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in the outpatient clinic. A successful SUS is defined as the diagnostic procedure's ability to facilitate the final histopathological diagnosis that can guide the subsequent treatment and disease resolution following the therapeutic procedure without the need for more invasive open surgical intervention.ResultsOut of 10 participants, 6 are males, and 4 are females. There were no complications noted. All subjects had successful tissue sampling or intervention on the first attempt for diagnostic and therapeutic SUS.ConclusionsWith COVID-19, there has been a significant shift in ordinary medical practice. SUS is proven to be a safe and effective method to facilitate the management of head and neck pathologies.

The Accuracy of Surgeon-Performed Preoperative Parathyroid Ultrasound Localization for Renal Hyperparathyroidism Patient

Introduction: Parathyroid surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism (RHPT) is indicated when patients have a progressive disease despite optimal medical therapy. The success of total parathyroidectomy in RHPT lies in accurate localization and excision of all PTGs. Recently, surgeon-performed ultrasound (SPU) has been increasingly used for the preoperative localization of PTGs in the intent of focused approach and reduce morbidity. Thus, we conducted a prospective observational single-center study to determine the accuracy of SPU for PTG localization in RHPT and the factors affecting its accuracy. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, observational, single-center study conducted in University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre between March 2018 and March 2019. The patients’ preoperative demography, clinical data, and relevant blood laboratory results, including calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone, were recorded. Preoperative USG and surgery were performed by the same endocrine surgery consultant. Results: SPU localization had an overall accuracy of 78.1%, sensitivity of 81.0%, and specificity of 30.0% with a positive predictive value of 94.8% and a negative predictive value of 10.5%. The SPU gland localization rate was significantly higher in patients without goiter (median=0.88, IQR=0.63–1.00) than in those with goiter (median=0.50, IQR=0.25–0.75) (p=0.028). Conclusions: SPU localization of the PTG in RHPT had an accuracy comparable with that in previous literature with the additional advantage of identifying concurrent unknown thyroid nodules. Considering the high prevalence of concomitant nodular thyroid disease in our RHPT population, we advocate the routine use of preoperative neck ultrasound for RHPT patients undergoing parathyroid surgery.

Efficacy of surgeon performed ultrasound scan in localization of parathyroid adenomas in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

Abstract Introduction The success of minimally invasive parathyroid surgery is largely based on accurate preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas. In the U.K, NICE guidance recommends either ultrasound scanning alone or combined with sestamibi scintigraphy to help guide surgery. In the recent past, surgeon performed ultrasound (SUS) has been adopted in North America and Australia for preoperative localization with a sensitivity of 63–91%. This was equivalent or superior to radiology performed ultrasound (RUS). In comparison, data from the U.K for surgeon performed imaging is sparse. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of surgeon performed ultrasound in localization of parathyroid disease and discuss its cost benefits. Methods This is a prospective study with data collected from November 2019 to June 2021. All patients had primary hyperparathyroidism and underwent either MIBI, radiology performed ultrasound or both. A single experienced surgeon performed ultrasound on all patients under general anaesthesia. The intraoperative findings were used to determine the accuracy of all imaging techniques. Results A total of 46 patients underwent surgery and were found to have single gland disease. The categories were: Double imaging (n=17), MIBI (n=34), RUS (n=22), SUS(n=46), no imaging (n=9). MIBI, radiology performed ultrasound and surgeon performed ultrasound had sensitivities of 58%, 55% and 81% respectively. 8 patients had ectopic glands and were not included in the sensitivity analysis of ultrasound scans. Conclusion Surgeon performed ultrasound by an experienced provider is effective in localizing parathyroid adenomas and guides minimally invasive surgery. It could significantly reduce costs associated with outpatient radiology performed ultrasound scanning

Surgeon Performed Ultrasound in Assessing Thyroid Nodule Using American College of Radiology Tirads and Total Malignancy Score (TMS): A Validation Cross Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic reliability of the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Report and Data System (ACR-TIRADS) and Total Malignancy Score (TMS) scoring system, in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving patients with thyroid nodules treated at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz from October 2017 until October 2019. Ultrasound findings were scored according to the ACR[1]TIRADS and TMS scoring system. They were then correlated with the FNAC or histopathology report. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of both scoring system were calculated for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients with 223 thyroid nodules were included. 17% or 38 nodules were found to be malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of ACR-TIRADS and TMS were 97.37% vs. 84.21 % , 52.97% vs. 62.70%, 29.84% vs. 31.68%, 98.99% vs. 95.08% and 61% vs. 66% respectively. According to the ACR-TIRADS, only hypoechoic nodules was a strong predictor of malignancy. Comparatively, in the TMS, strong predictors of malignancy include single nodule, hypoechogenicity, irregular margin, and nodules with peri and intranodular vascularity. CONCLUSION: Both ACR-TIRADS and TMS score had good diagnostic accuracy in predicting malignant thyroid nodule. TMS is comparable and not inferior to ACR[1]TIRADS however, the latter is more practical for use as growth and Doppler characteristic are not included in the assessment.

Interpretation of 4D CT for Parathyroid Localization—Retrospective Case Series

Abstract Introduction: Patients referred with primary hyperparathyroidism undergo in-office surgeon-performed ultrasonography. Approximately two thirds of patients undergo additional localization w...

Surgeon Performed Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Intussusception - A Pilot Study.

Aim: To study the diagnostic accuracy of surgeon performed ultrasound (SPU) in the diagnosis of children presenting with clinical suspicion of intussusception to a tertiary paediatric facility in NSW, Australia. Methods: Children under the age of 16 presenting to the emergency department with clinical features suggestive of intussusception were recruited. After obtaining consent SPU was performed by a Paediatric surgeon. All patients subsequently had an ultrasound performed in radiology department (RPU) on which management was based. Diagnosis and images of SPU were reviewed by an independent radiologist blinded to results of the formal study. Results: Of 7 children enrolled 5 were male. Age ranged from 3 months to 7 years (mean 2.64, SD 2.282), weight from 5.2kgs to 25.2kgs (mean 13.69, SD 6.721). Five out of the 7 children presented during day hours i.e. 8a.m.-5 p.m. (mean 12.72, SD 4.049). Mean time to SPU was 6.3 hours (SD7.1) and RPU was 8.3 hours (SD 7.6). SPU was earlier by 2 hours and correlation between SPU and RPU was 100 percent. Conclusion: SPU for intussusception can be performed early and accurately. Surgeons should train and use ultrasound as a reliable tool in evaluating the child with suspected intussusception.

Minimum fascia tumor distance for selection of extracapsular dissection for benign parotid tumors: A preliminary study.

There is increasing literature supporting the use of extracapsular dissection (ECD) for the treatment of select superficial lobe parotid tumors, though no objective criteria for selection has been proposed. Prior studies have suggested the minimum distance between the parotideomasseteric fascia and the tumor edge or minimum fascia-tumor distance (MFTD) as a useful measurement for the identification of superficial parotid tumors. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the utility of the minimum fascia-tumor distance in selecting candidates for extracapsular dissection of benign parotid tumors. This is a retrospective case-control study at a tertiary academic otolaryngology clinic. Twenty-three patients with prior surgical excision of benign parotid tumors that underwent surgeon-performed ultrasonography prior to excision of tumor were identified. Ultrasound images were reviewed and the minimum fascia-tumor distance was recorded and categorized by less than 3mm or as 3mm or greater. The primary outcome was successful completion of extracapsular dissection versus more extensive resection. Thirteen patients had a minimum fascia-tumor distance less than 3mm; eleven of thirteen (84.6%) successfully underwent extracapsular dissection. Ten patients had a minimum fascia-tumor distance of 3mm or greater; one of ten (10%) successfully underwent extracapsular dissection. A minimum fascia-tumor distance less than 3mm was sensitive, specific, and accurate in predicting successful ECD at 91.7%, 81.8%, and 87.0% respectively (OR 49.5, 95% CI 3.4-573.2). Minimum fascia-tumor distance may be a useful measurement in identifying candidates for removal of benign parotid tumors with extracapsular dissection.

Surgeon-performed ultrasound in a head and neck surgical oncology clinic: saving time and improving patient care.

Surgeon-performed ultrasound (SUS) for head and neck masses is increasingly being performed by head and neck surgeons. This is the first study assessing its impact in a head and neck surgical oncology clinic, examining the effect on various parameters. Retrospective analysis was conducted on a database, analysing and comparing all new patients reviewed 6months prior to (pre-SUS group) and 6months following (post-SUS group) the introduction of SUS to the outpatient head and neck surgical oncology clinic. The numbers of radiology imaging investigations (ordered through a medical imaging department), fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) performed, clinical appointments and time to definitive treatment decision were analysed and compared. A total of 365 patients were included: 169 in the pre-SUS group and 196 in the post-SUS group. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of total radiological imaging investigations performed (1.60 vs. 0.70, p < 0.00001), radiologist-performed FNAs (0.24 vs. 0.10, p = 0.0234), time for definitive treatment decision being made (16.4days vs. 11.6days, p = 0.04338), and number of clinical encounters (3.03 vs. 2.29, p < 0.00001). No statistically significant difference was observed in the number of head and neck surgical oncology clinic appointments (1.70 vs. 1.66, p = 0.6672). Surgeon-performed ultrasound reduces the number of radiological imaging investigations and FNAs performed, reduces time for definitive treatment decision being made, and reduces the number of clinical encounters for patients. This supports its use in head and neck cancer setting and has important implications for both patients and the health-care system.

The role of surgeon-performed ultrasound in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA).

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOETVA) is a recently described surgical technique where the thyroid and central neck can be accessed without a cutaneous incision. To date nearly 700 cases have been described within the English literature demonstrating the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the technique. As more institutions begin to adopt the surgical approach, it is important that surgeons pay close attention to appropriate patient selection and surgical optimization to prevent experience-related complications. A valuable tool to facilitate these considerations is the utilization of surgeon-performed ultrasonography (US). While the merits of surgeon-performed US are well-documented within head & neck endocrine surgery as a whole, its value may be of even greater importance when implementing a novel surgical technique such as TOETVA. Here we highlight and summarize the role of surgeon-performed US within head & neck endocrine surgery, focusing on how it may influence patient selection and surgical planning with TOETVA.

Introduction of surgeon‐performed ultrasound to a head and neck clinic: indications, diagnostic adequacy and a new clinic model?

Surgeon-performed ultrasound (SUS) changes management and surgical decision-making. It allows for immediate ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) for the work-up of neck masses, lymph node metastases and thyroid nodules. We examined the introduction of SUS to an Australian Head and Neck cancer unit, identifying situations where it was used, and evaluated the diagnostic adequacy and accuracy of US-FNA. A prospective database was created for all patients undergoing SUS and US-FNA, performed by two head and neck surgeons, between September 2018 and June 2019. The data were retrospectively analysed to identify when SUS was performed. Diagnostic adequacy and accuracy of US-FNA were determined after evaluating formal cytology and histopathology reports. A total of 183 diagnostic, surveillance and interventional SUS scans were performed for multiple indications. A total of 100 US-FNAs were performed on a number of different sites. Diagnostic adequacy and accuracy were 92% and 85%, respectively. After the introduction of SUS to our weekly routine head and neck cancer clinic, we identified multiple situations where it can be used successfully within our clinical landscape. Our diagnostic US-FNA results compared favourably to current literature, without additional need for clinic attendance by consultant radiologists or pathologists, saving valuable hospital resources. This introduction proposes a promising alternative to current neck lump clinic models.

Clinical validation of S-DetectTM mode in semi-automated ultrasound classification of thyroid lesions in surgical office.

In recent years well-recognized scientific societies introduced guidelines for ultrasound (US) malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules. These guidelines categorize the risk of malignancy in relation to a combination of several US features. Based on these US image lexicons an US-based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems were developed. Nevertheless, their clinical utility has not been evaluated in any study of surgeon-performed office US of the thyroid. Hence, the aim of this pilot study was to validate s-DetectTM mode in semi-automated US classification of thyroid lesions during surgeon-performed office US. This is a prospective study of 50 patients who underwent surgeon-performed thyroid US (basic US skills without CAD vs. with CAD vs. expert US skills without CAD) in the out-patient office as part of the preoperative workup. The real-time CAD system software using artificial intelligence (S-DetectTM for Thyroid; Samsung Medison Co.) was integrated into the RS85 US system. Primary outcome was CAD system added-value to the surgeon-performed office US evaluation. Secondary outcomes were: diagnostic accuracy of CAD system, intra and interobserver variability in the US assessment of thyroid nodules. Surgical pathology report was used to validate the pre-surgical diagnosis. CAD system added-value to thyroid assessment by a surgeon with basic US skills was equal to 6% (overall accuracy of 82% for evaluation with CAD vs. 76% for evaluation without CAD system; P<0.001), and final diagnosis was different than predicted by US assessment in 3 patients (1 more true-positive and 2 more true-negative results). However, CAD system was inferior to thyroid assessment by a surgeon with expert US skills in 6 patients who had false-positive results (P<0.001). The sensitivity and negative predictive value of CAD system for US classification of thyroid lesions were similar as surgeon with expert US skills whereas specificity and positive predictive value were significantly inferior but markedly better than judgement of a surgeon with basic US skills alone.

Cervical Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Cancers: A Decade Experience of a Single Surgical Team.

Background: All patients undergoing thyroid operations should be subjected to preoperative neck ultrasound (US) followed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of suspicious lesions. In Western countries, thyroid surgeons routinely perform neck ultrasound. The role of prophylactic central neck dissection (PCND) remains a topic of debate. For treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), in 2014 we introduced two new adjuncts: PCND based on criteria of the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES) consensus group and surgeon-performed US (S-US). Methods: In order to better understand the role of these two adjuncts in our shift of strategy we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of our patients in two successive 5-year time periods based on a retrospective analysis of our prospectively maintained database (total of 286 patients were included in this study). Results: The two groups were similar regarding epidemiological and clinical data. FNAC was done in only 21.66% of all PTC cases. PTC diagnosis was done in the majority of suspicious cases by FS. S-US guided the selective lateral node dissections (LND), leading to more lymph node metastases detections and it also surpassed endocrinologist performed US (E-US) in terms of PPV. PCND rate of complications was significantly higher due only to transient hypoparathyroidism. Conclusions: Preoperative surgeon-performed ultrasonography is a useful tool in the arsenal of PTC treatment. The systematic preoperative FNAC diagnosis and intraoperative frozen sections in uncertain cases are mandatory. PCND is a safe method of treatment and staging in PTC.

The utility of surgeon performed transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound for the assessment of vocal cords in post-thyroidectomy patients

Background: Post-thyroidectomy vocal cord palsy is a significant procedure associated complication and a notable contributor for medico-legal litigation. The standard technique for vocal cord evaluation and the most commonly used tool is direct laryngoscopy. Endocrine surgeons generally address the patients to otolaryngologist for laryngoscopy, leading to extra expense and time loss. Laryngoscopy causes patient annoyance and could potentially contribute to poor patient compliance. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive technique that is regularly used by endocrine surgeons to examine the thyroid region.Methods: A prospective study conducted on patients who underwent thyroidectomy between September 2016 and August 2017 at endocrine surgery department in a tertiary care institute (South India), Surgeon performed ultrasound (SPU) and Video laryngoscopy (VDL) was performed before and after elective thyroidectomy.Results: 155 patients who consented were categorized in the study, 2 of the patients included in the study had preoperative vocal cord palsy and 12 of them had unilateral postoperative vocal cord palsy detected using VDL. In general, the postoperative vocal cord palsy rate was 6.45%. Postoperative SPU was ineffective in assessing vocal cords in 16(10.32%) of patients. SPU had a sensitivity of 83.33% and negative predictive value of 97.90%, for the visualization of vocal cords in the postoperative period.Conclusions: SPU is convenient and non-invasive technique which could provide our speciality with cheap yet powerful diagnostic tool for vocal cord assessment in post-thyroidectomy patients and can potentially decrease the requirement of difficult and cumbersome VDL.

Correlation of surgeon-performed parathyroid ultrasound with the Perrier classification and gland weight.

Ultrasound localisation of parathyroid glands correlates with gland weight. We hypothesise that gland identification is also dependent on anatomical location. Perrier et al. have described a uniform and reliable nomenclature for parathyroid locations. We aimed to correlate surgeon-performed ultrasound (SUS) with intra-operative Perrier classification and gland weight. Review of a prospectively maintained single operator SUS database of 194 patients referred with non-familial primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) at a tertiary centre between 2010 and 2015. Patients underwent MIBI localisation as well as on table SUS. Intra-operative pathological gland locations were classified according to the Perrier nomenclature. Mean weight of pathological glands found and missed by SUS was 1.07 ± 0.1g and 0.48 ± 0.08g respectively (p = 0.0001, unpaired t test). The weight of glands identified was greater than that of missed glands for each of the Perrier locations (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney). The proportion of pathological glands found at each Perrier location varied significantly (p < 0.0001, Chi Square); so we find proportionally more B-, D-, E- and F-type glands and miss more A- and C-type glands. The median weight of glands missed on SUS varied significantly across the Perrier groups (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.0034) and suggests that SUS can miss quite large glands (> 0.5g) in locations B, C and F; whereas missed glands in locations A, D and E were all small (< 0.5g). Whilst gland identification correlates well with gland weight, anatomical location has a significant impact on failure of localisation irrespective of gland weight. For the surgeon operating on PHPT patients with negative US localisation, particular attention should be paid to locations C, D and A as these are the sites where pathological glands are most often missed on pre-operative US.

Advanced head and neck surgical techniques: A survey of US otolaryngology resident perspectives

ObjectivesTo assess the perspectives of OHNS residents with regards to their training in the following advanced head and neck surgery techniques: transoral robotic surgery (TORS), transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), sialendoscopy, and surgeon-performed ultrasound (SP-US) for possible curricula development. MethodsCross-sectional survey. A 20-item questionnaire was electronically distributed to OHNS residency programs assessing volume of cases, training barriers, satisfaction, additional training preferences, and pertinence to future practice. ResultsOne hundred thirty-one residents completed the questionnaire. Trainee satisfaction with advanced techniques did not vary significantly with level of training (PGY) or intent to pursue fellowship. Residents who participated in more TLM, sialendoscopy, and SP-US cases were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their training (all p<0.05). The most frequently reported limitation to training was low home institution procedure volume. Seventy-eight of 123 respondents (63.4%) indicated insufficient opportunity to participate in TORS, with most residents reporting that TORS was preferentially performed by attendings (59/78, 75.6%). Forty-five of 126 (35.7%) reported having adequate access to skills training in TORS, compared to 43.6%, 48.4%, and 54.8% for sialendoscopy, TLM, and SP-US, respectively. A vast majority expressed interest in home institution-sponsored training courses in SP-US (120/127, 94.5%) and sialendoscopy (105/129, 81.4%). Many anticipated using SP-US (63.3%) and sialendoscopy (49.6%) in their future practices. ConclusionGreater resident participation in advanced head and neck surgical procedures is associated with higher trainee satisfaction. There is a possible need for additional home institution-sponsored training courses, especially in sialendoscopy and SP-US.Level of evidence: N/A.

Management protocol for primary hyperparathyroidism in a single institution: utility of surgeon performed ultrasound.

We aimed to: (I) discover preoperative diagnostic studies, intraoperative techniques, and patient factors most predictive of cure within a single hospital system; (II) establish practice guidelines for surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism to maximize outcomes based on this hospital system's performance. A retrospective chart review was undertaken of all parathyroid-related procedures from 01/01/02 to 7/31/15 at the Veteran's Administration Hospital. Seventy-one patients were eligible and charts available for analysis. Preoperative studies most predictive of cure were a combination of sestamibi parathyroid scan and surgeon performed ultrasound (S-US). When studies did not agree, S-US was most often correct. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) rapid assay was helpful in predicting cure, but added an average of 33 minutes to operating room time. Patients who had two corroborating preoperative localizing studies, one of which was S-US, that agreed with intraoperative findings, and who did not undergo intraoperative PTH confirmation enjoyed equal cure rates and shorter operating room times. Successful achievement of normal calcium was high at 95.8%. Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in this patient population, prompting more aggressive preoperative investigation and replacement. A management protocol was developed based on the findings of this study: (I) obtain two preoperative localization studies, one of which is surgeon-performed ultrasound; (II) obtain preoperative vitamin D levels and supplement as indicated; and (III) in select patients who have two strongly corroborating preoperative localization studies, one of which is surgeon performed ultrasound, and intraoperative findings are consistent with the localizing studies, intraoperative PTH (IOPTH) may not be necessary.

Surgeon-Performed Ultrasound in Diagnosing Acute Cholecystitis and Appendicitis

BackgroundThe use of ultrasound (US) outside the radiology department has increased the last decades, but large studies assessing the quality of bedside US are still lacking. This study evaluates surgeon-performed US (SPUS) and radiologist-performed US (RPUS) with respect to biliary disease and appendicitis.MethodsBetween October 2011 and November 2012, 300 adult patients, with a referral for an abdominal US, were prospectively enrolled in the study and examined by a radiologist as well as a surgeon. The surgeons had undergone a 4-week-long US education. US findings of the surgeon and of the radiologist were compared to final diagnosis, set by an independent external observer going through each patient’s chart.ResultsAmong 183 patients with suspected biliary disease, 74 had gallstones and 21 had acute cholecystitis. SPUS and RPUS diagnosed gallstones with a sensitivity of 87.1 versus 97.3%. Specificity was 96.0 versus 98.9%, and the accuracy 92.3 versus 98.2%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for acute cholecystitis by SPUS and RPUS were: 60.0 versus 80.0%, 98.6 versus 97.8% and 93.9 versus 95.6%, respectively. Among 58 patients with suspected appendicitis, 15 had the disease. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for appendicitis by SPUS and RPUS were: 53.3 versus 73.3%, 89.7 versus 93.3% and 77.3 versus 86.7%, respectively.ConclusionSPUS is reliable in diagnosing gallstones. Diagnosing cholecystitis and appendicitis with US is more challenging for both surgeons and radiologists.Trial registration numberThe study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov. Registration number: NCT02469935.

Diagnostic accuracy of surgeon performed ultrasound (SPU) for appendicitis in children

AimCompare the diagnostic accuracy of surgeon performed ultrasound to radiology performed ultrasound in children presenting with suspected appendicitis to a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Australia. MethodsChildren under 16 presenting to the emergency department of The Children's Hospital at Westmead were considered for the study. Patients with obvious signs of appendicitis not requiring ultrasound and those with established ultrasound diagnosis of appendicitis were excluded. Ultrasound was performed by a Pediatric Surgeon (SPU) after obtaining consent. The treating team was blinded to the results. Patient underwent formal ultrasound in radiology (RPU) and treatment was based on the formal report. SPU result was reviewed by a radiologist blinded to results of RPU. The results were compared. Results65 children underwent ultrasound. 35 were male. Median age was 10 (range3–15). Median weight was 36 kg (range 12.6–76.2 kg), z-score median 0.21 (−1.83 to 2.74). Symptom duration ranged from few hours to 2 weeks but majority (45) had symptoms for less than 48 h. Prevalence of appendicitis was 45%. Thirty two underwent surgery. Negative appendicectomy rate was 9.4%. Thirty three did not have surgery. 8 represented but only one proceeded to appendicectomy. SPU was done earlier than RPU (median 12 h vs 14.15 h) p = 0.088. Diagnostic accuracy using ROC did not reveal significant difference. ConclusionSPU can be performed earlier than RPU with reliable accuracy. Training surgical trainees will enable early diagnosis and management of appendicitis.