Surgeon-performed ultrasound in a head and neck surgical oncology clinic: saving time and improving patient care

Introduction Surgeon-performed ultrasound (SUS) for head and neck masses is increasingly being performed by head and neck surgeons. This is the first study assessing its impact in a head and neck surgical oncology clinic, examining the effect on various parameters. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on a database, analysing and comparing all new patients reviewed 6 months prior to (pre-SUS group) and 6 months following (post-SUS group) the introduction of SUS to the outpatient head and neck surgical oncology clinic. The numbers of radiology imaging investigations (ordered through a medical imaging department), fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) performed, clinical appointments and time to definitive treatment decision were analysed and compared. Results A total of 365 patients were included: 169 in the pre-SUS group and 196 in the post-SUS group. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of total radiological imaging investigations performed (1.60 vs. 0.70, p < 0.00001), radiologist-performed FNAs (0.24 vs. 0.10, p = 0.0234), time for definitive treatment decision being made (16.4 days vs. 11.6 days, p = 0.04338), and number of clinical encounters (3.03 vs. 2.29, p < 0.00001). No statistically significant difference was observed in the number of head and neck surgical oncology clinic appointments (1.70 vs. 1.66, p = 0.6672). Conclusion Surgeon-performed ultrasound reduces the number of radiological imaging investigations and FNAs performed, reduces time for definitive treatment decision being made, and reduces the number of clinical encounters for patients. This supports its use in head and neck cancer setting and has important implications for both patients and the health-care system.