intraoperativ

Intraoperative refers to events and processes that occur during a surgical operation. The term is used to describe monitoring, imaging, and interventions performed while a patient is under anesthesia and the surgical procedure is underway. It contrasts with preoperative and postoperative periods.

Applications include intraoperative monitoring, where physiological signals such as neural, cardiac, or hemodynamic status are tracked to reduce risk of injury. Intraoperative imaging and navigation (for example fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, or MRI guidance) help surgeons plan and verify resections, implant placements, and anastomoses. Intraoperative fluorescence and imaging agents (e.g., indocyanine green) visualize vessels, perfusion, or tumor margins.

During surgery, anesthesia management, hemostasis, and tissue handling are coordinated in real time. Frozen-section pathology or rapid intraoperative diagnosis can influence surgical decisions. Techniques such as intraoperative neuromonitoring protect nerves during spine, thyroid, or skull base procedures, while neural mapping guides tumor removal with functional preservation.

Benefits of intraoperative strategies include improved precision, reduced need for reoperation, and better preservation of function. Outcomes are procedure dependent and rely on equipment, expertise, and team communication. Risks include longer operative times, exposure to imaging or monitoring modalities, and potential complications from additional instrumentation.

Historically, advances in anesthesia, imaging, and monitoring expanded the scope of intraoperative care. The term is used in many languages; in English the form intraoperative is common, while in some languages the adjective may take the form intraoperativ.