Head & Neck Ultrasound (US) in Taiwan

Development History of Head & Neck Ultrasound in Taiwan

1984 – Society of Ultrasound Medicine (SUM) ROC
1996 – First Trial of ENT Ultrasound: Dr. GS Wu
2002 – Regular ultrasound examination in ENT, NTUH
2007 – Far Eastern Memorial Hospital HN US: Li-Jen Liao
2010 – Annual nationwide training program
2012 – Annual academic meeting in SUM
2017 – First WFUMB ENT & HN specific division
2020 – First SUM ROC ENT & HN specific division

Current overview of head & neck ultrasound in Taiwan:

In 2019, we surveyed hospitals and clinics in Taiwan and found that head and neck surgeons routinely perform neck ultrasound.

From July to December 2019, a total of 44 HNS responded to our questionnaire.

Patient positioning: Most used supine position with the head facing the operator. No one routinely used the sitting position.

Ultrasound machines used:

Applications: Most doctors use ultrasound for thyroid disease, lymph nodes, salivary glands, and neck mass assessment. Some also check vocal folds, upper airway, and joints.

US-FNA and US-CNB usage is lower than CT and MRI. One ultrasound procedure costs approximately 30 USD in Taiwan.