LAPAROSCOPIC GRAY-SCALE AND COLOR DOPPLER US - PRELIMINARY ANIMAL ANDCLINICAL-STUDIES

PURPOSE: To evaluate a semiflexible ultrasound (US) transducer inserte d through a laparoscopic port to image abdominal structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparascopic US with a 9.6-mm-diameter, 5.0-7.5-MHz semi flexible transducer with gray-scale, color, and spectral Doppler capab ilities was performed in three miniature swine and in 25 patients with a variety of abdominal abnormalities. RESULTS: This miniature US prob e was used to locate normal structures such as blood vessels, allowing the surgeon to decide the best approach for dissection. Color and spe ctral Doppler US proved especially useful in differentiating vascular from nonvascular structures. The presence or absence of stones in the gallbladder and common bile duct was readily determined. It was possib le to detect masses and to provide guidance for their aspiration or bi opsy within abdominal organs. In 10 cases (40%), laparoscopic US helpe d the surgeon make the decision for clinical management and altered th e surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic US was useful in assis ting laparoscopic evaluation of abnormalities in the abdomen.