====== Intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) ======

[[Intraoperative]] [[ultrasound]] (IOUS) is a medical imaging technique used during surgery to provide real-time visualization of internal structures. It helps surgeons to make informed decisions, precisely guide procedures, and improve overall surgical outcomes. IOUS is commonly employed in various surgical specialties, including neurosurgery, general surgery, vascular surgery, and hepatobiliary surgery. Here are key aspects of intraoperative ultrasound:

Real-Time Imaging: IOUS provides dynamic, real-time images of the anatomy during surgery. This allows surgeons to visualize structures such as organs, blood vessels, tumors, or other relevant tissues as they perform the procedure.

Surgical Guidance: Surgeons use IOUS to guide them in making critical decisions during the operation. For example, in neurosurgery, it can help locate and map brain tumors or guide the placement of implants. In hepatobiliary surgery, it aids in identifying liver lesions or guiding the resection of tumors.

Minimally Invasive Procedures: In minimally invasive surgeries, IOUS is often used with laparoscopic or robotic techniques. It enables surgeons to navigate and manipulate internal structures with precision through small incisions, reducing the invasiveness of the procedure.

Vascular Procedures: IOUS is particularly valuable in vascular surgery. Surgeons can use it to visualize blood vessels, assess blood flow, and guide interventions such as vascular reconstructions or repairs.

Tumor Resection: In oncological surgeries, IOUS helps in the precise identification and delineation of tumors. This is crucial for achieving complete tumor resection while sparing healthy surrounding tissues.

Needle Guidance: IOUS assists in the guidance of needles during procedures such as biopsies or fluid drainage. Surgeons can visualize the needle in real-time as it approaches the target area, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of complications.

Trauma Surgery: In trauma cases, IOUS can be used to assess internal injuries, locate foreign bodies, or guide the drainage of fluid collections.

Image Fusion: In some cases, IOUS images may be fused with preoperative imaging, such as CT or MRI scans. This integration enhances the surgeon's ability to correlate preoperative planning with real-time intraoperative findings.

Surgeon-Controlled Imaging: The surgeon or a designated team member typically controls the ultrasound probe during surgery, allowing for flexibility in imaging angles and perspectives.

In summary, intraoperative ultrasound is a valuable tool that enhances the surgeon's ability to visualize and navigate internal structures during various surgical procedures, contributing to improved precision and patient outcomes.

===== Intraoperative ultrasound in neurosurgery =====

[[Intraoperative ultrasound in neurosurgery]].