Ultrasound techniques for liver tumor ablation

Almost 20 years after its clinical introduction, the appropriate utilization of liver tumor ablation remains a controversial subject. There are a number of reasons for this, but an important component of this has been the need for highly accurate ultrasonographic guidance, both for staging and probe placement. Historically surgeons, at least in the United States, have had little training in or experience with intraoperative ultrasound. This chapter discusses a general approach to thorough and accurate staging of patients with liver tumors, as well as providing tips for overcoming some of the more common technical challenges encountered during surgical ablation of liver tumors.