Localization of the nonpalpable colonic lesion with intraoperative ultrasound

Localization of an nonpalpable colonic lesion at the time of colectomy usua lly requires intraoperative colonoscopy. The use of ultrasound to locate th e lesion has not been described. A soft bowel clamp is placed above the exp ected location of the lesion and a catheter placed in the anus. Saline is t hen instilled into the colon and rectum. The lesion is located by ultrasoun d scan of the fluid filled colon with the probe placed on the serosal surfa ce. Refinement of the technique was performed on resected colonic specimens . An in vivo trial was then performed with rapid and accurate localization of the lesion for resection. Intraoperative ultrasound of the colon can acc urately localize nonpalpable colonic lesions and is an alternative to curre ntly available techniques of localization.