Intraoperative Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography (Io-CEUS) to Detect Missed Lung Nodules During Robot-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery.
Alfonso Fiorelli, Antonio Marella, Marco Aiello et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A patient undergoing robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery presented with a malignant lung nodule that had been missed in a prior operation. Pre-operative CT with 3D reconstruction identified the nodule's location in the S8 segment of the right lower lobe. Intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography successfully detected the nodule, which was then resected and confirmed as a metastasis from colon carcinoma. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on post-operative day 3.
What made this case unusual
The use of intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (Io-CEUS) allowed for the successful identification of a previously missed malignant lung nodule, showcasing its utility in enhancing surgical precision.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can effectively identify missed lung nodules during robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, aiding in accurate resection.
Why it matters
This case highlights the potential of Io-CEUS as a valuable tool in thoracic surgery, particularly for detecting lesions that may not be visible through conventional imaging methods.