Introduction of Vaginal Probe for Intraoperative Ultrasound of Intraaxial Brain Lesions

It is generally accepted that in the management of brain lesions the optimal results may be obtained when maximal surgical resection is achieved with minimal disturbance of neurological function. The MR/CT modality is expensive and available only in few centers. Ultrasonography (US) can offer real-time imaging; also reported to be successful in assisting tumor localization, resection control. Its particular relevance for neurosurgery involves both its ability to provide the surgeon with immediate feedback. IOUS vaginal ultrasound probe is available in most of the medical centers and it allows with its small finger probe its use in limited space, which encouraged us to conduct this study especially that it could be a good neuronavigation substitute in developing countries. Objective: To evaluate the suitability of vaginal ultrasound as a substitute to neuronavigation in developing countries. Patients and Methods: Included 21 patients, contrasted CT axial 5mm slice interval cuts were used. Intraoperative ultrasound was performed with GE device 6.5-MHz, vaginal probe. Data collection and statistical analysis targeting the recorded volumes of the pre-operative CT and pre-opened dura IOUS and comparing the end of the procedure IOUS and the post-operative CT images. Paired t- test was used to compare the volume means difference. Results: Pre resection tumor volume calculated revealed a Mean volume of 28.5 cc. Post resection an IOUS volume was also calculated revealed Mean volume 0.376 cc. The mean difference between post resection IOUS and postoperative CT was 0.072. Conclusion: Vaginal probe IOUS was a reliable method to detect almost same tumors volumes calculated by pre and post operative enhanced CT scan.