Radioguided surgical advancements for head and neck oncology

Radioguided surgery is an innovative means by which a radionuclide is used to preoperatively image and intraoperatively visualize a structure of interest to the surgeon for excisional biopsy. This technology has allowed a cost-effective, highly specific means by which to locate a structure (usually a lymph node) and access it for pathologic analysis. The result of radioguided surgery is increased specificity in tissue obtained for biopsy, minimal access incisions, and the reduction of inpatient hospital utilization. Radioguided surgery should not be confused with radiosurgery, which is the stereotactic application of external beam radiation, usually for intracranial tumors.