The acronym refers to intraoperative sonography, a medical imaging technique employed during surgical procedures. This technology involves the use of ultrasound directly within the operative field to visualize anatomical structures in real time. For example, surgeons might use it during tumor resection to precisely delineate tumor margins, ensuring complete removal while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
The principal advantage of this technique lies in its ability to provide immediate, high-resolution images of subsurface structures that may not be readily apparent through visual inspection or palpation. This can significantly improve surgical precision, reduce complications, and enhance patient outcomes. Its historical context involves the adaptation of ultrasound technology from diagnostic imaging to surgical guidance, beginning with applications in neurosurgery and later expanding to other specialties.
