Localization of the nonpalpable colonic lesion with intraoperative ultrasound.

Localization of an nonpalpable colonic lesion at the time of colectomy usually requires intraoperative colonoscopy. The use of ultrasound to locate the lesion has not been described. A soft bowel clamp is placed above the expected location of the lesion and a catheter placed in the anus. Saline is then instilled into the colon and rectum. The lesion is located by ultrasound scan of the fluid filled colon with the probe placed on the serosal surface. Refinement of the technique was performed on resected colonic specimens. An in vivo trial was then performed with rapid and accurate localization of the lesion for resection. Intraoperative ultrasound of the colon can accurately localize nonpalpable colonic lesions and is an alternative to currently available techniques of localization.