Intraoperative ultrasound has become the gold standard complementary study to surgical decision making in liver surgery. In this review are analyze different variables to identified if laparoscopy ultrasound findings are equal or better than intraoperative ultrasound.

A literature search was performed using Medline and Highwire Press data base. The following search terms were use: “laparoscopic ultrasonography”, “intraoperative ultrasonography” and “liver tumors”. 447 citations found in total. Criteria for selection of literature were number of cases (excluded if less than 20), Ultrasonography studies IOU and LU of different types of tumors: neuroendorcrine, HCC and colon metastasis were included, and method of analysis (statistical or nonstatistical).

The variables analyze in the studies selected were as follows: Method of patients selection, operative technique, operating time, irresectability, postoperative morbidity, number of new tumors missed by IOU or LIOU, surgical plan changed after IOU or LIUO and Hospital stay. Patient's selection was based in patient having any type of liver tumor. Operative technique was performed in cases of IOU by conventional laparotomy, and in laparoscopy cases were use mainly 2 subcostal ports and the umbilical port. Operating time was estimated surgical prolongation of 30 minutes in the laparoscopy cases. Morbidity was lower in LIOU cases than in IOU. Lesions missed by LIOU and IOU, both methods showed a higher sensitivity in finding small lesions than other complementary diagnostic studies. Hospital stay was considerable shorter in LIOU.

Laparoscopy ultrasound has demonstrated to be very useful in diagnostic of liver tumor lesions. Therefore, there is big room for the LIOU improved in diagnostic liver tumors. New and improved LIOU probes would very soon allow similar findings than IOU. Targeting laparoscopy to patients at high risk for unresectable disease requires consideration to avoid unnecessary laparotomy.

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic ultrasonography (LU) versus the open intraoperative ultrasonography.

The following parameters were evaluated for both IOU and LIOU:

1. Method of patients selection.

2. Operative technique.

3. Operating time.

4. Intraoperative and postoperative complications.

5. Postoperative morbidity.

6. Number of new tumors missed by IOU or LIOU.

7. Surgical plan changed after IOU or LIUO.

8. Hospital stay.

A literature search was performed using Medline and Highwire Press data base. The following search terms were use: “laparoscopic ultrasonography”, “intraoperative ultrasonography” and “liver tumors”. 447 citations found in total. Selected papers were screened for further references. Criteria for selection of literature were number of cases (excluded if less than 20), Ultrasonography studies IOU and LU of different types of tumors: Neuroendocrine, HCC and colon metastasis were included, and method of analysis (statistical or nonstatistical).