Uveal melanoma conservative surgery: echography pre- and post-surgery

The aim of this study is to provide indications for conservative surgery of uveal melanoma. A-B scan ultrasonography provides accurate information not only on the site and the size of the melanoma and the involvement of neighbouring tissues, but also on the post-surgical evolution. Between January 1988 and December 1993 we used echography to study 31 patients who subsequently underwent localized surgical resection.The echographic diagnosis was confirmed in most cases during surgery, and the tumour tissular rating was confirmed in 93.5% of cases. Frequent echographic examinations during post-surgical follow-up showed hemovitreous, cataract, choroidal detachment, retinal detachment, bulbar phthisis and recurrences. Ultrasonography is the most effective diagnostic means both in the presurgical phase, as an aid in selecting therapy, and in the post-surgical phase where it alerts the physician to possible complications.