Technical and clinical aspects of intraoperative ultrasound applicable to laparoscopic ultrasound.

The advent and spread of minimal access surgery (MAS) has underscored the importance of laparoscopic intraoperative ultrasonography (LIOU). The basic requirements of LIOU equipment are discussed and currently available ultrasound transducer probes for LIOU are reviewed. An examination technique with different ultrasound probes is presented and illustrated. Clinical experience gained with LIOU of the biliary tract in 262 patients and in 46 patients undergoing staging laparoscopy is presented. LIOU is a simple, efficient procedure which provides useful information in intraoperative decision-making. It has considerable potential for further development and will play an increasing role in future not only for diagnostics but also to facilitate the safe performance of complex MAS procedures.