Ultrasound for Surgeons: What I Learned from Lifetime Practice

Abstract

Surgeon-performed ultrasound is a necessary tool in the evaluation of patients with thyroid and parathyroid disease. On a daily basis, I am able to demonstrate to my residents and fellows key decisions that hinged upon the ultrasound evaluation performed by the surgeon that were not apparent by review of images or reports. For a surgical practice, both the indications for surgery as well as the extent of the surgical procedure are driven by the findings on ultrasound evaluation. This benefit is apparent when applied in the clinic as well as in the operating room setting. In addition to the ability to identify structural lesions, fine needle aspiration under ultrasound guidance is an invaluable adjunct for clinical decision-making.