Current applications of ultrasound-guided wire localization in head and neck surgery.

Ultrasound-guided wire localization (USGWL) was originally developed for the removal of impalpable breast lesions. More recently, USGWL has been described in head and neck surgical practice and it has a number of applications in this field, with the potential to guide surgical exploration and the benefits of reducing operative time and morbidity. This technical note describes the use of preoperative USGWL to facilitate the removal of an impalpable neck node. A review of the current literature relating to the present applications of this technique in head and neck surgery is reported, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages. Crown