Intra-operative ultrasound-guided needle localization for impalpable testicular lesions

AIMS: To describe a new technique of intra-operative ultrasound-guided needle localization of impalpable intratesticular lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three patients with impalpable testicular lesions identified on ultrasound underwent needle localization under ultrasound guidance. The procedure was performed in the operating theatre under general anaesthetic using a 7.5-8 MHz linear array probe and a portable ultrasound machine. Under direct guidance, a 21 G needle was placed through the centre of the lesion allowing resection and immediate frozen section analysis. RESULTS: In two patients malignancy was confirmed and an orchidectomy was performed. In one patient a benign lesion was detected obviating the need for orchidectomy. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting with impalpable testicular lesions can pose a diagnostic dilemma and orchidectomy is often performed. We describe an ultrasound-guided intra-operative localization technique enabling direct pathological examination so surgical approach can be re-evaluated in the presence of a benign lesion. This is particularly important in the case of a solitary testicle in order to preserve testicular function. (C) 2003 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All fights reserved.