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Preoperative Ultrasound: If You Don’t Look, You Don’t Know

  • Preoperative Evaluation (BJ Sweitzer, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Anesthesiology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this article is to review the literature relevant to point of care ultrasound (POCUS) with an emphasis on the application of ultrasound in preoperative assessment. It addresses the use of cardiac, lung, gastric, and vascular ultrasonography.

Recent Findings

The use of POCUS as an adjunct to the physical examination is gaining traction as high-quality equipment becomes increasingly portable and dramatically more affordable. While the literature on preoperative ultrasound by anesthesiologists is limited, there is growing evidence that it is not only feasible, but also improves patient morbidity and mortality.

Summary

Anesthesiologists frequently encounter patients with signs and symptoms of heart failure, significant cardiac murmurs, hemodynamic instability, unexplained dyspnea, and unknown gastric contents. Studies to date show that POCUS can change management of these patients and improve morbidity without delaying care. Randomized trials are needed to validate these findings. Professional societies in anesthesiology need to define standards for POCUS training, as well as establish mechanisms for certification and maintenance of proficiency.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, 30 N. 1900 E. Rm 3C444, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA

    Jen Chang

  2. Division of Perioperative Echocardiography, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, 30 N. 1900 E. Rm 3C444, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA

    Josh Zimmerman

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  1. Jen Chang
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Correspondence to Josh Zimmerman.

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Conflict of Interest

Jen Chang and Josh Zimmerman declare they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Preoperative Evaluation

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Chang, J., Zimmerman, J. Preoperative Ultrasound: If You Don’t Look, You Don’t Know. Curr Anesthesiol Rep 8, 32–37 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40140-018-0249-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40140-018-0249-6

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