Review of bedside surgeon-performed ultrasound in pediatric patients

Abstract

Purpose: Pediatric surgeon performed bedside ultrasound (PSPBUS) is a targeted examination that is diagnostic or therapeutic. The aim of this paper is to review literature involving PSPBUS.

Methods: PSPBUS practices reviewed in this paper include central venous catheter placement, physiologic assessment (volume status and echocardiography), hypertrophic pyloric stenosis diagnosis, appendicitis diagnosis, the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST), thoracic evaluation, and soft tissue infection evaluation.

Results: There are no standards for the practice of PSPBUS.

Conclusions: As the role of the pediatric surgeon continues to evolve, PSPBUS will influence practice patterns, disease diagnosis, and patient management.

Type of study: Review Article.

Level of evidence: Level III.

Keywords: Bedside ultrasound; Pediatric surgery; Surgeon-performed ultrasound.