Intraoperative ultrasound of the liver. An important adjunctive tool for decision making in the operating room

Forty-nine patients operated on for liver or other pathologic processes were examined intraoperatively with special ultrasound transducers during surgical exploration of the abdomen. Subjects were evaluated because of known or suspected disease of the liver. All patients were examined using sterile technique. Prospective diagnosis and retrospective analysis of data were used. In 55% of subjects, no new information was obtained. In 19%, new information was gathered that changed the surgical approach. In 14% of patients, new information was obtained but it was such that no change in the therapeutic approach was needed. In 12% of patients, although no new information was gathered by the use of intraoperative ultrasound, a change in the surgical approach and management of the patient was still possible because of intraoperative ultrasound. These studies show that the routine use of ultrasound during intraoperative procedures, particularly when involving hepatic structures, is a clinically useful technique. In many instances, it will change the course of management.