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The use of ultrasound in intracranial tumor surgery

  • Review Article - Brain Tumors
  • Published:
Acta Neurochirurgica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

As an intraoperative imaging modality, ultrasound is a user-friendly and cost-effective real-time imaging technique. Despite this, it is still not routinely employed for brain tumor surgery. This may be due to the poor image quality in inexperienced hands, and the well-documented learning curve. However, with regular use, the operator issues are addressed, and intraoperative ultrasound can provide valuable real-time information. The aim of this review is to provide an understanding for neurosurgeons of the development and use of ultrasound in intracranial tumor surgery, and possible future advances.

Methods

A systematic search of the electronic databases Embase, Medline OvidSP, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar regarding the use of ultrasound in intracranial tumor surgery was undertaken.

Results and discussion

Intraoperative ultrasound has been shown to be able to accurately account for brain shift and has potential for regular use in brain tumor surgery. Further developments in probe size, resolution, and image reconstruction techniques will ensure that intraoperative ultrasound is more accessible and attractive to the neuro-oncological surgeon.

Conclusions

This review has summarized the development of ultrasound and its uses with particular reference to brain tumor surgery, detailing the ongoing challenges in this area.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BB, England

    Jarnail Bal

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RT, England

    S. J. Camp & D. Nandi

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  1. Jarnail Bal
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  2. S. J. Camp
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  3. D. Nandi
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Correspondence to Jarnail Bal.

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The author(s) declare that they have no competing interests.

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Bal, J., Camp, S.J. & Nandi, D. The use of ultrasound in intracranial tumor surgery. Acta Neurochir 158, 1179–1185 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-016-2803-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-016-2803-7

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