Laparoscopic Ultrasound: Its Role in Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery has been accepted as the surgery of choice for may diagnostic and therapeutic abdominal procedures because of decreased morbidity, reduced cost, and improvement in long-term outcomes compared with open procedures. However, this approach has inherent limitations in the evaluation of diseases concealed within solid organs, hollow viscera, or the retroperitoneum. Laparoscopic ultrasound, which evolved from the concepts of intraoperative and endoscopic ultrasound, opens a whole new dimension to accurately diagnose and treat conditions laparoscopically. This technique shows promise of becoming a valuable new adjunct to a variety of laparoscopic procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of various abdominal and pelvic abnormalities.