intraoperative ultrasound
Also written as: IOUS — intraoperative ultrasound
Real-time ultrasound imaging performed during surgery to guide tissue identification and resection.
Full Definition
A surgical adjunct involving the use of sterile ultrasound probes during thyroid and parathyroid procedures to provide real-time imaging guidance for tissue identification, localization of abnormal glands, and confirmation of complete resection. This technique is particularly valuable for identifying small parathyroid adenomas, distinguishing parathyroid tissue from lymph nodes or thyroid nodules, and locating ectopic or intrathyroidal parathyroid glands. Intraoperative ultrasound can significantly improve surgical precision and reduce operative time in experienced hands.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as IOUS in operative reports and imaging documentation.
In Context
- "Intraoperative ultrasound confirmed the location of the parathyroid adenoma before surgical exploration." — operative report
- "The surgeon used intraoperative ultrasound to distinguish the parathyroid gland from adjacent lymph nodes." — surgical procedure note