[Comparative study of the diagnostic value of preoperative imaging studies vs. intraoperative diagnostic methods in patients with liver tumors].
OBJECTIVE
to compare the diagnostic value of preoperative imaging studies - ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) vs. intraoperative diagnostic methods - inspection, palpation and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in patients with primary and metastatic liver tumors.


METHODS
the pre- and intraoperative diagnostics in 55 consecutive elective operations were compared.


RESULTS
in 43 (80%) cases all of the diagnostic measures were completed, in 11 cases (20%) the IOUS was unnecessary because of widespread hepatic and/or extrahepatic disease diagnosed intraoperatively by inspection and/or palpation. The sensitivity of different methods compared with that of the triad of intraoperative inspection, palpation and IOUS were: preoperative ultrasonography - 57% (p=0,0013), CT - 69% (p=0,0012), intraoperative inspection and palpation - 78% (p=0,01), IOUS - 82% (p=0,01).


CONCLUSIONS
the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative imaging studies is still under the required criteria for the needs of surgical planning. The triad of intraoperative inspection, palpation and IOUS remains the golden standard in the diagnosis and staging of liver tumors.
Iuliianov
A
A
Thracian University Hospital, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography