3-D imaging capability in the operating room has revolutionized surgery.
Radiological tools such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology are moving out of the radiology department and into the operating room to better assist the operating physician. Time saved, information more easily accessed and the lessening of patient physical distress from relocation are benefits of these tools being available in the digital imaging-capable operating room.
Definition of Radiology
The definition of radiology is the use of radioactive substances or imaging tools to medically diagnose or scientifically examine a patient during diagnosis or treatment. X-rays such as computed axial tomography (CAT) scans, sound waves such as ultrasound testing, radioactive substances such as radioactive dye tests and magnetic resonance image testing (MRI) using the natural magnetism of the patient's body fall within this branch of diagnostic medicine.
Professions in Radiology
According to "RadiologyInfo.org," a radiologist is a physician who uses and interprets any of the diagnostic tools listed above A diagnostic radiologist may interpret mammography results looking for signs of breast cancer in a patient, administer radioactive substances to patients in the treatment of certain cancers or preform biopsy procedures. A radiological technologist specializes in the specific operation and knowledge of certain radiological testing equipment or digital imaging cameras. The images gathered then allow the radiologist to interpret and communicate the findings with the operating physician for diagnosis. Skilled positions such as radiologist assistant and radiologic nurse also exist within the field.
Use in the Operating Room
In 2010, the move to innovative en-suite usage of radiological medicine within the operating theater as well as the emergency room has widened the opportunity of surgeons to better plan and execute the necessary surgical treatments. 3-D images of the patient as they are being operated on can be studied and the images can assist the surgeon as a type of anatomical topography map that has not, until recently, been available. Surgeons laud the "fly around" capability the high tech digital camera 3-D imaging allows of the patient to plot out best surgical procedures. Not having to move the patient out of the operating room to a radiology department saves crucial time and is easier on the patient's condition.
Tags: operating room, radioactive substances, magnetic resonance, operating physician, radiologist interpret, radiology department
