intraoperative frozen section
Rapid pathological examination of tissue during surgery to guide immediate surgical decision-making.
Full Definition
Intraoperative frozen section is a rapid histopathological technique performed during emergency surgery when immediate tissue diagnosis is required. The pathologist quickly freezes tissue samples, cuts thin sections, and provides preliminary microscopic diagnosis within 15-20 minutes. This allows surgeons to modify their surgical approach based on findings, such as determining margin adequacy in cancer surgery or confirming suspected diagnoses. The technique is less accurate than permanent sections but provides crucial real-time diagnostic information during critical surgical procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'frozen' in surgical notes.
In Context
- "Intraoperative frozen section confirmed malignancy, prompting extended resection." — Emergency oncology surgery report
- "The surgeon requested intraoperative frozen section to assess resection margins." — Surgical pathology requisition