**3. Several applications of intraoperative ultrasound in general surgery**

In abdominal surgery, intraoperative ultrasound is a popular form of diagnosis. Not only does it detect focal lesions, but it also eliminates perfusion and elasticity analyses with color-coded Doppler sonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and elastography, all of which allow for highly sensitive and precise diagnostics, especially in oncological surgery, as described in an article by Hackl and team [8]. Another study looked at the staging possibilities offered by intraoperative ultrasound as was the case of Oba and coauthors [9]. Intraoperative assessment needed to appreciate the extent and location of Crohn's disease has not been standardized and currently involves a mixture of surgeons' experience, tactile feedback, and macroscopic appearance. In a study titled "Assessing the Feasibility and Safety of Using Intraoperative Ultrasound in Ileocolic Crohn's Disease—The IUSS CROHN

*Intraoperative Ultrasound in Colorectal Surgery DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.100411*

Study," Celentano and team [10] devised a strategy for a thorough intraoperative ultrasound scan of the small bowel to overcome this variability. This feasibility study mentioned above demonstrated the safety of intraoperative ultrasound and allowed the development of a standardized protocol for the intraoperative ultrasound.
