[Laparoscopic sonography. A new dimension in the diagnostic approach to internal organs]

A newly developed laparoscopic sonography probe was used for assessment of upper abdominal and retroperitoneal organs. A linear array instrument with a frequency of 7 MHz was used. The cross-sectional width is 3.5 cm and the high frequency permits excellent dissolution. Thus the accepted loss of penetration depth is fully compensated by the possibility of placing the probe directly onto the organs. This method seems to be particularly suitable for detailed assessment of intraabdominal and retroperitoneal organs and of pathological changes. Laparoscopic ultrasonography-directed collection of tissues for histologic evaluation is equally easily done.