Potential benefits of intraoperative ultrasound in neurosurgery

J Clin Ultrasound. 2023 May;51(4):739-741. doi: 10.1002/jcu.23429. Epub 2023 Jan 27.

Abstract

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the most popular diagnostic tools to visualize intracranial pathology and help surgical planning in the neurosurgical practice. However, these preoperative techniques need to be supplemented with intraoperative methods, if the lesion size may increase or preoperative anatomy may change after the primary imaging due to rapid progression of the underlying intracranial disease. In such situations intraoperative ultrasound could be a valuable technique in real-time imaging of intracranial pathologic processes, real-time control of surgical procedure, assistance in drain or catheter placement, and real-time assessment of residual tumor or hematoma volume during neurosurgical interventions.

Keywords: neurosurgery; transcranial sonography; ultrasound.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neurosurgery* / methods
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Ultrasonography