LAPAROSCOPIC LIVER SONOGRAPHY - PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE IN LIVER METASTASES COMPARED WITH CT PORTOGRAPHY

This study evaluated the ability of laparoscopic ultrasonography to de tect, localize, and characterize focal liver masses. Laparoscopic ultr asonography and CT portography of the liver were performed in 13 patie nts with known or suspected malignancy. Laparoscopic ultrasonography d irectly influenced surgical management in four (31%) cases; three by d etection of small focal masses and one by exclusion of masses suspecte d on CT portography Laparoscopic ultrasonography provided guidance for biopsy or added important anatomic information in three cases. Laparo scopic ultrasonography was complementary to CT portography but added n o additional information in three cases, and it failed to provide any information in two cases. Laparoscopic ultrasonography was falsely neg ative in one case. In this preliminary series, laparoscopic ultrasonog raphy assisted surgeons in critical decision-making by either providin g important new information, clarifying questionable areas, or complem enting CT portography.