Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 8, Issue 11 647-652, Copyright © 1989 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Overview of benefits of operative ultrasonography during a ten year period
J. Machi and B. Sigel
Department of Surgery, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
From 1979 to 1988, we have performed operative ultrasonography in 2,299
operations in various surgical fields. By analyzing the results of
operative ultrasonography, we defined and summarized its benefits into four
categories: acquisition of new information not otherwise available;
complement to or replacement for operative radiography; guidance of
surgical manipulation; and confirmation of completion of operation. Based
on one or more of these benefits occurring, operative ultrasonography was
judged to be useful in 2,103 of 2,299 operations (91.5%). The overall
impact of operative ultrasonography has been to reduce surgical tissue
dissection, reduce operating time, decrease the need for operative
radiography, and enable surgeons to devise new surgical procedures. Because
of its benefits, the wider use of operative ultrasonography is encouraged.
