Ultrasound in general surgery practice

This study reviews our experience with ultrasound (US) examinations performed in the setting of a general surgery training program. The records of all US examinations conducted by surgical residents and staff during a 12 month period were reviewed (n=131). Most were performed on the breast and axilla (n=59), skin and subcutaneous tissue (n=30), and abdomen (n=11). Studies of the liver (n=8), extrahepatic biliary tract (n=7), trauma patients (n=5), thyroid and neck (n=5), anorectum. (n=2) and thorax (n=2) were less common. Confirmatory studies or corroborative specimens were available for 74 studies. There were three false positive and two false negative examinations in this group. For these examinations (n=74) sensitivity was 96.4%, specificity was 84.2%, positive predictive value was 94.6%, negative predictive value was 88.8% and accuracy was 93.2%. We conclude that US is a valuable tool for surgeons. US experience should be incorporated into the curricula of general surgery training programs. Disclaimer: the views expressed in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.