Intraoperative sonography for brain tumor surgery

Intraoperative ultrasonography was performed during craniotomies for nine cases of primary brain tumor. B-mode real-time linear scanner with a small probe head has proven to be extremely useful for detecting and localizing subcortical or deep seated brain tumors. The sonography clearly showed the tumors as hyperechogenic mass except in one case, calcifications as more echogenic particles, cyst as hypoechogenic area. Physical principles of echogenicity are discussed, and major advantages and disadvantages of intraoperative ultrasonography in neurosurgery are mentioned.