Laparoscopic ultrasound system (LUS) is a useful equipment to prevent the unexpected injury during laparoscopic surgery. We developed a new type LUS (EUP-OL334) with a cooperation of Hitachi Medico Co Ltd.
Probe of our LUS is 10mm in diameter, 424mm in length and a tip of the probe is flexible up to 90 degree. This system equipped a color Doppler with color flow angiography and has dual frequency (5/7.5MHz) . Scanning window is as wide as 40 degree.
Two cases of cholecystolithiasis and two cases of hepatic tumor were examined by EUP-OL334. Gallbladder wall was delineated as 3 layers and cystic duct and common hepatic duct were also visualized. Hepatic tumor was shown as hyperechoic lesion and the blood flow was easily detected by color Doppler and color flow angiography. Pulse Doppler demonstrated two type blood flow such as pulsatile and continuous wave. Laparoscopic microwave coagulation therapy (LMCT) was underwent for these patients and laparoscopic ethanol injection therapy (LEIT) was added in one patient. LMCT was performed under LUS observation and coagulated part of the tumor was changed to bright hyperechoic lesion because of the microbubble occurrence. There were no unexpected injury during this series.
Further improvement, i. e. working channel for biopsy and injection, is required however, we consider that EUP-OL334 guarantee the safer and more accurate treatment during laparoscopic surgery.
