Intraoperative ultrasound indications
1. Tumor Localization and Resection
- IOUS helps delineate tumor boundaries and assess resection margins intraoperatively.
- Particularly useful for gliomas, meningiomas, and metastases.
- High-resolution ultrasound probes can visualize tissue planes and differentiate between normal and pathological tissues.
2. Cyst and Abscess Management
- Guides aspiration or drainage by providing real-time feedback on needle or catheter positioning.
3. Hematoma Evacuation
- Helps identify the location and extent of intracerebral hematomas, guiding the evacuation process.
4. Hydrocephalus and Shunt Placement
- Facilitates catheter placement in ventricles, especially in distorted or small ventricles.
5. Spinal Surgery
- Enhances the visualization of spinal cord and nerve roots, guiding decompression or tumor removal.
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The use of intraoperative ultrasound (US) during neurosurgical procedures is becoming more widespread. Multiple studies have shown that US is a valuable tool in tumor detection during surgery 1) 2) 3) 4) 5).
Intraoperative ultrasound for focal cortical dysplasia
Combining awake surgery with intraoperative magnetic resonance is logistically challenging.
Navigable ultrasound (US) is a useful alternative in such cases.
It is a sensitive imaging modality when used in patients with Cushing's disease in whom findings on pituitary MR imaging are negative. The improved ability to detect and localize these tumors positively affects surgical outcome 6).
Intraoperative scanning of the pituitary gland with high-frequency-ultrasound probes may identify intrapituitary anatomy and pathologies even in MRI-negative cases. This may prevent extensive exploration of the gland with the risk of subsequent hypopituitarism 7).
Intra-operative brain swelling consider intraoperative ultrasound if rapidly available to rule-out hematoma (intracerebral, EDH, SDH) which could potentially be immediately evacuated.