Surgery>>>>>Liver
Question 6#

The gold standard for identifying liver lesions by imaging is:

A. Intraoperative ultrasound
B. Computed tomography (CT) with triple-phase contrast
C. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadoxetatebased contrast
D. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Correct Answer is A

Comment:

The use of intraoperative ultrasound of the liver has rapidly expanded over the years with the increasing number and complexity of hepatic resections being performed. It has the ability to provide the surgeon with real-time accurate information useful for surgical planning. Intraoperative ultrasound is considered the gold standard for detecting liver lesions, and studies have shown that it can identify 20% to 30% more lesions than other preoperative imaging modalities. Importantly, it has been shown to influence surgical management in almost 50% of planned liver resections for malignancies. Applications for intraoperative ultrasound of the liver include tumor staging, visualization of intrahepatic vascular structures, and guidance of resections plane by assessment of the relationship of a mass to the vessels. In addition, biopsy oflesions and ablation of tumors can be guided by intraoperative ultrasound.