Preoperative point-of-care neck ultrasound: beyond the airway

A preoperative point-of-care neck ultrasound, carried out during preoperative airway evaluation by extending the scans to the regions close to the larynx and trachea, can allow for the rapid identification of unknown pathologies or abnormalities in a cost-effective and non-invasive manner. This prospective, observational study examines a series of ultrasound findings in structures close to the airway, made through preoperative point-of-care neck ultrasound in a cohort of 230 patients.

We conducted a prospective observational study, enrolling 230 adult patients selected for elective abdominal surgery. The primary goal was to verify the predictive role of airway ultrasound in identifying difficult airways, while the secondary goal was to evaluate structures close to the airway such as jugular veins, carotid arteries, thyroid gland and soft tissues.

Overall, preoperative point-of-care neck ultrasound proved to be an effective and reliable method of obtaining details about local or systemic pathologies, which could affect perioperative care. For example, the exam consistently revealed the presence of carotid plaques or venous congestion, which could be used to best determine the patient's cardiovascular risk or to instigate further investigations. It also allowed for more accurate central venous catheter placement planning and better airway management and it warned about possible thyroid or neoplastic pathologies that would have otherwise remained unknown. In some cases, information from preoperative point-of-care neck ultrasound has even led to modifications in perioperative therapy.

Preoperative point-of-care neck ultrasound is fast, inexpensive, and non-invasive, and it can be easily performed by a properly trained professional during the preoperative airway ultrasound evaluation. It can be considered as a new preoperative assessment tool.