Benefits of Surgeon-Performed Office-Based Ultrasonography

Author: Brian KIM ¹ ; Seong-Eun HONG ; Byeong-Cheol LEE ; Myung-Chul LEE ; Jungmin AHN ; Ik Joon CHOI
Author Information

1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Science, Seoul, Korea
Publication Type:Original Article
From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2022;65(12):800-805
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:Korean
Abstract: Background and Objectives:The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits of ultrasonography performed by a surgeon rather than a radiologist.Subjects and Method This retrospective study enrolled 122 cases of ultrasonography performed by a head and neck surgeon and 116 cases of the same examination performed by a radiologist before surgery. The time intervals between the first visit and surgery were compared in both groups.
Results:The average waiting time for surgery after the first hospital visit was significantly reduced when a surgeon performed the ultrasound examination. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in sampling inadequacy rate on thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) between FNA performed by a head and neck surgeon and a radiologist.
Conclusion:Surgeons can utilize ultrasound as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in an office-based setting. For patients, diagnosis and treatment provided by a single doctor will lead to more efficient outcomes.