RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Surgeon attitudes toward point of care ultrasound for biliary disease: a nationwide Canadian survey
JF Canadian Journal of Surgery
JO CAN J SURG
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP E9
OP E12
DO 10.1503/cjs.010218
VO 63
IS 1
A1 Jennifer Koichopolos
A1 Richard Hilsden
A1 Frank Myslik
A1 Drew Thompson
A1 Jeremy Vandelinde
A1 Rob Leeper
YR 2020
UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/63/1/E9.abstract
AB Multiple studies confirm that point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) has a high sensitivity and specificity for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. However, there is poor perceived reliability of biliary PoCUS by surgeons. This survey was performed to assess surgeons’ opinions on using PoCUS in gallstone disease and barriers that exist for its institution. The majority (60.3%) of respondents reported a total lack of confidence in PoCUS for the diagnosis of biliary disease. Most felt the sensitivity of PoCUS was poor and had concerns about the user-dependent nature of the test and the lack of imaging details provided. If offered ideal clinical/laboratory findings with PoCUS results, only 4.7% of surgeons would definitely operate for unremitting biliary colic and 5.4% for cholecystitis. The ability to replicate findings independently increased confidence in clinical decision-making. Our findings suggest there is substantial distrust in biliary PoCUS but that specific ultrasound training for the surgical workforce may prove tremendously beneficial for its utilization.