Evaluation of surgeon-performed ultrasound usage amongst Australian and New Zealand Endocrine Surgeons

Background: Surgeon-performed ultrasound (US) is increasingly embraced by surgeons worldwide as an integral part of patient assessment. Its usage within Australian and New Zealand Endocrine Surgeons (ANZES) is not well documented. This study aims to evaluate current usage patterns and to determine suitable future training models. Methods: An online survey was sent to members of ANZES between August and September 2021, with emphasis on practice demographics, access and usage of US, US training and accreditation. Results: Of 125 surveys sent, 52 were returned (42%). Most respondents were metropolitan based (90%), worked in both public and private sectors (81%) and practiced both breast and endocrine surgery, with some general surgery (38%). A preponderance of surgeons had access to US equipment (73%) and 42% believed US is essential for best practice in endocrine surgery. Thirty-seven percent of surgeons performed more than 20 US per month, and 40% of respondents perform US guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Ultrasounds were also used in theatre as an adjunct for parathyroid (73%), thyroid (38%) and cervical lymph node surgery (44%). Most surgeons underwent formal training post Fellowship (81%) and 38% have Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine Certificate in Clinician Performed Ultrasound (ASUM CCPU) accreditation. Surgeons strongly favoured post fellowship US training for future endocrine surgical trainees (88%). Conclusions: The survey demonstrates that surgeon-performed US is significantly embraced by endocrine surgeons, with 80% of respondents overall and 92.9% of those with access to US, indicating that surgeon-performed US is essential or at least very important for best practice. US is used frequently in the office and theatre settings. There is an important need for the development and formalization of endocrine US training courses from the SET/Registrar level through to the post-Fellowship environment.