THE SURGEONS USE OF ULTRASOUND IN THE ACUTE SETTING

The success of ultrasound in trauma has encouraged surgeons to extend its use into the acute setting. Essentials of selected ultrasound exam inations used for the evaluation of the patient with an acute abdomen, hypotension, or soft-tissue infection are discussed. The diagnostic a nd therapeutic ultrasound tests frequently performed by the surgeon wh ile on rounds in the intensive care unit enhance the physical examinat ion and facilitate patient care. This article illustrates specific are as in which surgeon-performed ultrasound can assist with the diagnosis and therapy of patients with acute surgical problems and those in the surgical intensive care unit.