Ultrasound-guided Excision of Nonpalpable Malignant Soft Tissue Tumors of the Abdomen

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

The use of intraoperative ultrasound to guide the excision of sonographically visible but nonpalpable lesions is a newer modality. Its use in intraoperative localization of recurrent malignant soft tissue tumors has not been reported. This report describes a technique of intraoperative localization by ultrasound to guide the excision of recurrent nonpalpable malignant soft tissue tumors of the abdominal wall in two patients. Tumors of both patients were successfully localized intraoperatively by ultrasonography and excised with adequate margins. This technique leads to reduced patient discomfort and anxiety, the avoidance of organizational requirements on the day of surgery, and allows for adequate margins of resection

Introduction

Intraoperative ultrasonography is increasingly being used to guide the excision of sonographically visible nonpalpable lesions. This is particularly true in cases of liver masses.^[1,2] Its use has also been reported in localizing tumors of other sites such as breast,^[3–6] parathyroid^[7] and pancreas.^[8] Intraoperative ultrasonography also provides the operating surgeon with useful real-time diagnostic and staging information that may result in an alteration in the planned surgical approach. Current applications for intraoperative ultrasound include tumor staging, metastatic survey, guidance for metastasectomy and various tumor ablation procedures. Its use in intraoperative localization of recurrent malignant soft tissue tumors has not been reported.

Future Oncol. 2010;6(9):1513-1515. © 2010 Future Medicine Ltd.

Cite this: Ultrasound-guided Excision of Nonpalpable Malignant Soft Tissue Tumors of the Abdomen - Medscape - Sep 01, 2010.