Intraoperative ultrasonography allows for the confirmation and verification of preoperative diagnosis. In many cases, correct determination of the severity of the disease allows surgery to be performed safely and shortens its duration. Proper evaluation of the anatomical structures during the operation and evaluation of the surgical field after completing the operation in combination with ultrasound allows for better assessment of radicality of the treatment. On the ward in which the authors are working, intraoperative ultrasound is used in everyday practice. In this paper we wish to share our experience in applying this imaging technique.

Intraoperative ultrasonography is a reliable test in evaluating both inflammation and neoplastic lesions of the pancreas. It correctly determines the extent of the planned operation. In the case of pancreatic cancer, it verifies clinical stage, assessing involvement of peripancreatic vessels, lymph nodes and the presence of local and distant metastases. Intraoperative ultrasonography has proved highly effective in the evaluation of endocrine and cystic tumors of the pancreas. The procedure significantly improves the effectiveness of intraoperative biopsy and aspiration.