How to optimize intraoperative frozen section examinations in pathology

The intraoperative frozen section examination allows to offer to the surgeon relevant information which could change the patient intraoperative management. The sensitivity of this technique is limited by the size of the analysed sample and by cryogenisation's artefacts. The intraoperative consultations have to be performed for precise indications because some exams could be harmful. It is mandatory to be aware of different problems which could alter the intraoperative diagnosis: inadequate sampling, technical issues or insufficient communication between the surgeon and the pathologist. Nevertheless, the intraoperative frozen section examination remains a reliable procedure useful in many pathological contexts.

L’examen extemporané permet de fournir au chirurgien des informations pertinentes qui influencent la prise en charge peropératoire du patient à condition qu’il soit demandé pour des indications précises, que la communication entre l’anatomo-pathologiste et le chirurgien soit adéquate et que la technique soit optimale, la taille du prélèvement, la technique de cryogénisation et des artéfacts pouvant limiter sa portée. Malgré ces difficultés, l’examen extemporané possède une bonne fiabilité diagnostique et reste incontournable dans de nombreuses pathologies.

Published by Revue medicale de Liege, 2025. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40079294/