Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
frozen section
Rapid histological examination of tissue during surgery to guide immediate surgical decisions.
Full Definition
Frozen section is an intraoperative pathological technique where tissue samples are rapidly frozen, sectioned, and examined under a microscope while the patient remains under anesthesia. This allows surgeons to receive immediate feedback about margin status, tumor type, or the presence of malignancy, enabling real-time surgical decision-making. The process typically takes 15-20 minutes and helps determine whether additional tissue removal is necessary or if the surgical approach should be modified during the same operative session.
Usage
Usage note: Sometimes abbreviated as FS in surgical notes; distinguish from final permanent section pathology.
In Context
- "Frozen section confirmed negative margins, allowing the surgeon to proceed with primary closure." — Operative note
- "Frozen section was deferred due to concerns about tissue artifact in the small specimen." — Pathology consultation
Also known as
intraoperative consultation
frozen section analysis
Contrasted with
permanent section
final pathology
Don't confuse with
touch prep
cytology