intraoperative consultation
Real-time pathological examination of tissue specimens during surgery to guide immediate surgical decisions.
Full Definition
Intraoperative consultation involves the rapid pathological evaluation of tissue specimens while the patient remains under anesthesia, allowing surgeons to modify their operative approach based on immediate histological findings. This consultation typically includes frozen section analysis, touch preparations, or gross examination of specimens. In surgical oncology, intraoperative consultation is crucial for determining margin status, confirming malignancy, identifying tumor type, or assessing the adequacy of lymph node sampling. The pathologist's real-time interpretation directly influences surgical decision-making, including the extent of resection, need for additional procedures, or immediate reconstruction options. Results must be clearly communicated to the surgical team and documented appropriately.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from frozen section, which is just one component of intraoperative consultation.
In Context
- "Intraoperative consultation confirmed negative margins, allowing the surgeon to proceed with immediate reconstruction." — Operative report
- "The pathologist's intraoperative consultation revealed high-grade sarcoma, prompting wider excision margins." — Surgical pathology report