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Published on: August 6, 2019
Alterations in surgical plan based on intraoperative portable head computed tomography imaging
Andrew P Carlson1, Jeremy Phelps, Howard Yonas
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131–0001, USA.
Summary
Portable head computed tomography (CT) scans in the operating room altered surgical plans in 32% of cases. This intraoperative imaging provides a valuable alternative, potentially avoiding repeat surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Intraoperative imaging is crucial for surgical decision-making.
- Portable computed tomography (CT) provides an accessible imaging solution when MRI is impractical.
- This study evaluates the utility of portable head CT in the operating room.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of 50 portable head CT scans performed in the operating room at the University of New Mexico between May 2007 and March 2010 was conducted.
- The average operative time was 121 minutes, with reservoir placement averaging 54 minutes.
- Procedures included reservoir placement (28%), tumor resection (24%), and cerebrospinal fluid shunting (24%), among others.
Findings:
- Portable head CT scans were utilized in 50 cases over a 3-year period.
- In 16 of these cases (32%), findings from the intraoperative CT scan led to modifications in the surgical plan.
- The study analyzed various neurosurgical procedures, including tumor resections and CSF shunting.
Implications:
- Intraoperative portable head CT can significantly alter surgical plans in a substantial percentage of cases (32%).
- This technology may help prevent the need for patients to return to the operating room for further imaging or intervention.
- Portable intraoperative CT offers a cost-effective imaging alternative compared to fixed intraoperative imaging suites.
