Intraoperative Ultrasound-Guided Intradural Tumor Resection

Ultrasound is a cost-effective, practical, and efficient imaging modality used during spinal intradural tumor operations to supplement surgical planning, enhance resection, and limit potential complications. Intraoperative ultrasound use has increased over the past several decades for intradural tumor resections, and the technology is widely available and approaching use as a standard of care. In this chapter, we describe the history of ultrasound use in intradural tumor surgery, multiple techniques for intraoperative utilization, limitations of ultrasound, and a summary of current literature. Additionally, our chapter explores the emerging applications for intraoperative ultrasound, such as integration with neuronavigation technology and the use of existing ultrasound contrast agents to enhance intraoperative imaging and resection of spinal intradural tumors.