Emergency Ultrasound in Critical Patients: The “Bedside Ultrasonography” as the “Third Hand” of Emergency Surgeon

Introduction: Ultrasound (US) is a safe and useful diagnostic tool for the detection and the study of several organs. Absence of radiations and collateral effects make it be a repeatable test with low costs, feasible and quickly. Ultrasound scan can be performed to patient's bedside avoiding losing precious time for diagnostic and therapeutic decision making in transferring him in radiologic room or department. Aim: To illustrate and support the precious aid of emergency ultrasound in emergency surgeon's hands. Materials and Methods: we selected 45 patients admitted to our department of general and emergency surgery for abdominal and thoracic acute problems. A retrospective cohort study was made on a period of six month. Conclusion: Bedside ultrasonography in critical patients is safe and feasible; it could be the “third hand” of emergency surgeon integrating the bounds of clinical examination. We stand that all emergency surgeon or physician should be trained in bedside emergency ultrasound.