Accuracy of Intraoperative Frozen Section Diagnosis of Borderline Ovarian Tumors by Hospital Type

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the accuracy of frozen section diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumors among 3 distinct types of hospital-academic hospital with gynecologic pathologists, academic hospital with nongynecologic pathologists, and community hospital with nongynecologic pathologists-and to determine if surgical staging alters patient care or outcomes for women with a frozen section diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumor.

DESIGN

Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

SETTING

Tertiary care, academic, and community hospitals.

PATIENTS

Women with an intraoperative frozen section diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumor at 1 of 3 types of hospital from April 1998 through June 2016.

INTERVENTIONS

Comparison of final pathology with intraoperative frozen section diagnosis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Two hundred twelve women met the inclusion criteria. The frozen section diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumor correlated with the final pathologic diagnosis in 192 of 212 cases (90.6%), and the rate of correlation did not differ among the 3 hospital types (p = .82). Seven tumors (3.3%) were downgraded to benign on final pathologic analysis and 13 (6.1%) upgraded to invasive carcinoma. The 3 hospital types did not differ with respect to the proportion of tumors upgraded to invasive carcinoma (p = .62). Mucinous (odds ratio, 7.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-23.7; p = .002) and endometrioid borderline ovarian tumors (odds ratio, 32.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-595.5; p = .02) were more likely than serous ovarian tumors to be upgraded to carcinoma. Only 88 patients (41.5%) underwent lymphadenectomy, and only 1 (1.1%) had invasive carcinoma in a lymph node.

CONCLUSIONS

A frozen section diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumor correlates with the final pathologic diagnosis in a variety of hospital types.

Confocal scanning microscopy provides rapid, detailed intraoperative histological assessment of brain neoplasms: Experience with 106 cases

OBJECTIVES

Frozen section histological analysis is currently the mainstay for intraprocedural tissue diagnosis during the resection of intracranial neoplasms and for evaluating tumor margins. However, frozen sections are time-consuming and often do not reveal the histological features needed for final diagnosis when compared with permanent sections. Confocal scanning microscopy (CSM) with certain stains may be a valuable technology that can add rapid and detailed histological assessment advantage for the neurosurgical operating room. This study describes potential advantages of CSM imaging of fresh human brain tumor tissues labeled with acriflavine (AF), acridine orange (AO), cresyl violet (CV), methylene blue (MB), and indocyanine green (ICG) within the neurosurgical operating room facility.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Acute slices from orthotopic human intracranial neoplasms were incubated with AF/AO and CV solutions for 10 s and 1 min respectively. Staining was also attempted with MB and ICG. Samples were imaged using a bench-top CSM system. Histopathologic features of corresponding CSM and permanent hematoxylin and eosin images were reviewed for each case.

RESULTS

Of 106 cases, 30 were meningiomas, 19 gliomas, 13 pituitary adenomas, 9 metastases, 6 schwannomas, 4 ependymomas, and 25 other pathologies. CSM using rapid fluorophores (AF, AO, CV) revealed striking microvascular, cellular and subcellular structures that correlated with conventional histology. By rapidly staining and optically sectioning freshly resected tissue, images were generated for intraoperative consultations in less than one minute. With this technique, an entire resected tissue sample was imaged and digitally stored for tele-pathology and archiving.

CONCLUSION

CSM of fresh human brain tumor tissue provides clinically meaningful and rapid histopathological assessment much faster than frozen section. With appropriate stains, including specific cellular structure or antibody staining, CSM could improve the timeliness of intraoperative decision-making, and the neurosurgical-pathology workflow during resection of human brain tumors, ultimately improving patient care.

Whipple Resection: Concordance Between Frozen Section And Permanent Section Diagnosis Of Surgical Margins

BACKGROUND

Margin assessment is done in Whipple procedures which are usually performed to resect tumours of head of pancreas and ampullary/periampullary region. Aims and objective of the study are to determine the concordance between frozen sections (FS) and permanent sections (PS) of surgical margins in Whipple resections.

METHODS

It is a retrospective study, from January 2008 to January 2015 (07 years). It includes the specimen with malignancy in final report and for which FS of pancreatic and/or CBD margin(s) were requested. Data was retrieved from Laboratory information system (LIS) database.

RESULTS

Of the 41 bile duct margins in cases of ampullary tumours, 03 were positive on FS as well as PS, 35 were negative on FS as well as on PS. Results showed 100% sensitivity, 92.1% specificity, 50% PPV and 100% NPV. Results of 36 pancreatic margins in cases of ampullary showed 100% sensitivity, 97.1% specificity, 50% PPV and 100% NPV. In pancreatic carcinoma cases, none of CBD margins were reported as positive on FS, 02 margins reported as negative were found positive on PS, while 17 were negative on FS as well as PS. Results showed 100% specificity and 89.5% NPV. Of the 27 pancreatic margins tested in pancreatic tumours 100% sensitivity, 94.1% specificity, 88.9% PPV and 100% NPV was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors such as absent prior tissue diagnosis and/or inflammatory processes make margin diagnosis difficult. However, a high concordance was observed between our FS and PS diagnosis.

Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) for Plant Metabolomics

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a developing technique to measure the spatiotemporal distribution of many biomolecules in tissues. Over the preceding decade MSI has been adopted by plant biologists and applied in a broad range of areas including: primary metabolism, natural products, plant defense, plant responses to abiotic and biotic stress, plant lipids, and the developing field of spatial metabolomics. This methods chapter covers preparation of plant tissues for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-MSI, including sample embedding and freezing, sectioning, mounting, and matrix deposition using both sublimation and spray deposition prior to MSI analysis.

The diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration in comparison with frozen section in thyroid nodules: A 20-year study

Background:

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the most important method in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules before surgery. Recently, the efficiency of FNA in thyroid nodule management has been debatable. On the other hand, intraoperative frozen section (FS) has been used to confirm the diagnosis of FNA and select the proper surgical approach. In this regard, the present study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of FNA as compared to FS in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

Methods:

This retrospective study was performed on 69 patients with FNA and FS and histopathological examination from 1993 to 2014 in Babol, northern Iran. FNA was classified into 5 groups: benign (colloid goiter), lymphocytic thyroiditis, follicular lesions, suspicious and malignant, and FS was classified as after benign or malignant. The results of both methods were compared with each other.

Results:

This retrospective study was performed on 69 patients with FNA and FS and histopathological examination from 1993 to 2014 in Babol, northern Iran. FNA was classified into 5 groups: benign (colloid goiter), lymphocytic thyroiditis, follicular lesions, suspicious and malignant, and FS was classified as after benign or malignant. The results of both methods were compared with each other.

Conclusion:

FNA was considered as a simple, less invasive and cost effective method with fewer side effects for evaluation of thyroid nodules. Particulary it had a high sensitivity and specificity in experienced and skilled hands.

Diagnostic accuracy of touch imprint cytology for head and neck malignancies: a useful intra-operative tool in resource limited countries

Background

Intraoperative consultation is an important tool for the evaluation of the upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) malignancies. Although frozen section analysis is a preferred method of intra-operative consultation, however in resource limited countries like Pakistan, this facility is not available in most institutes; therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of touch imprint cytology for UAT malignancies using histopathology of the same tissue as gold standard.

Methods

The study involved 70 cases of UAT lesions operated during the study period. Intraoperatively, after obtaining the fresh biopsy specimen and prior to placing them in fixative, each specimen was imprinted on 4-6 glass slides, fixed immediately in 95% alcohol and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain. After completion of the cytological procedure, the surgical biopsy specimen was processed. The slides of both touch Imprint cytology and histopathology were examined by two consultant histopathologists.

Results

The result of touch imprint cytology showed that touch imprint cytology was diagnostic in 68 cases (97.1%), 55 (78.6%) being malignant, 2 cases (2.9%) were suspicious for malignancy, 11 cases (15.7%) were negative for malignancy while 2 cases (2.9%) were false negative. Amongst the 70 cases, 55 cases (78.6%) were malignant showing squamous cell carcinoma in 49 cases (70%), adenoid cystic carcinoma in 2 cases (2.9%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma 2 cases (2.9%), Mucoepidermoid carcinoma 1 case (1.4%), spindle cell sarcoma in 1 case (1.4%). Two cases (2.9%) were suspicious of malignancy showing atypical squamoid cells on touch imprint cytology, while 13 cases (18.6%) were negative for malignancy, which also included 2 false negative cases. The overall diagnostic accuracy of touch imprint cytology came out to be 96.7% with a sensitivity and specificity of 96 and 100%, respectively while PPV and NPV of touch imprint cytology was found to be 100 and 84%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our experience in this study has demonstrated that touch imprint cytology provides reliable specific diagnoses and can be used as an adjunct to histopathology, particularly in developing countries, where the facility of frozen section is often not available, since a rapid preliminary diagnosis may help in the surgical management planning.

Minimal Clinical Impact of Intraoperative Examination of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Patients With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: An Opportunity for Improved Resource Utilization

OBJECTIVES

There is little information regarding sentinel lymph node (SLN) frozen-section examination in patients with a history of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We evaluated the usage, clinical impact, and pathology resources used for SLN cryosectioning in mastectomy cases with a DCIS history.

METHODS

Mastectomies with SLNs submitted from 2012 to 2013 at a tertiary care center were analyzed. Medicare reimbursement was used to estimate pathology health care expenditures of intraoperative frozen sections.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the rate of SLN frozen-section examination or parts submitted, total blocks frozen, total blocks submitted, or total SLNs identified per case between the DCIS (n = 139) and invasive (n = 369) groups. Nine patients with DCIS had SLN metastases (three macrometastases, two micrometastases, and four isolated tumor cells), all of which were examined by frozen section. Only the macrometastases were identified by cryosectioning, which led to two synchronous axillary lymph node dissections that did not yield any additional positive nodes. A total of $19,313 was spent for pathology per DCIS patient with surgical management affected, whereas only $1,019 was spent per invasive carcinoma patient affected.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreasing SLN frozen-section use in patients with a history of DCIS represents an opportunity for pathology cost containment.

Evaluating the accuracy of intraoperative frozen section during inguinal lymph node dissection in penile cancer

INTRODUCTION

Inguinal lymph node dissection is an integral part in the management of invasive penile tumors with intraoperative assessment often aiding decision-making during dissection. In this study, we evaluate the diagnostic value of intraoperative frozen section (FS) and analyze clinicopathologic factors that affect its accuracy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We, retrospectively, reviewed 84 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis who underwent inguinal lymph node dissection at our institution. Intraoperative FS from the superficial inguinal nodes was available in 65 patients and compared with correspondent permanent sections (pathologic node staging [pN]). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated and factors associated with a false negative event were analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The total positive node rate was 60% (39/65). Of 39 pN+ cases, 10 (25.6%) had false-negative FS, whereas the remaining 29 were concordant intraoperatively. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.74 and 1, respectively. On univariable analysis, higher body mass index was associated with a false negative event although there was no association with age, receipt of neoadjuvant therapy, or clinical node stage.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative FS is highly specific and moderately sensitive for the detection of positive superficial inguinal lymph nodes in penile cancer. Its use can help guide intraoperative surgical planning while limiting its reliance for patients with higher body mass index.

Intraoperative Pathologic Consultation on Hysterectomy Specimens for Endometrial Cancer: An Assessment of the Accuracy of Frozen Sections, "Gross-Only" Evaluations, and Obtaining Random Sections of a Grossly "Normal" Endometrium

OBJECTIVES

Pathologic intraoperative consultation (IOC) is a common approach for segregating the subset of patients with endometrial cancer who likely require a lymphadenectomy.

METHODS

We evaluate factors related to the performance and value of IOC, including the accuracy of frozen sections, "gross-only examinations," and obtaining random sections when a gross lesion is not apparent.

RESULTS

IOC was performed by gross examination only in 17 (8%) of 250 cases, the specificity and negative predictive value of which in diagnosing cancer were 100% and 85%, respectively. Among the 64 cases wherein a gross lesion was not apparent and random sections were examined, a final diagnosis of carcinoma was rendered in 20, of which only three (15%) had a diagnosable malignancy on the random section. The frozen-section/final diagnosis concordance was 80% for tumor grade. Determining the depth of myometrial invasion was problematic, with 36% underestimation and 2.6% overestimation.

CONCLUSIONS

Obtaining random sections in the absence of a gross lesion has no significant benefit, and a negative result is likely to provide inaccurate data to the surgeon. Frozen-section analyses are a generally reliable tool to determine "low-risk" pathologic parameters that were evaluated herein when a gross lesion is present.

Multiple Myeloma Presenting as Massive Amyloid Deposition in a Parathyroid Gland Associated with Amyloid Goiter: A Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Mimic on Intra-operative Frozen Section

Clinical examples of amyloid deposition in parathyroid glands are exceedingly rare and usually present as an incidental finding in a patient with amyloid goiter. Here, we present the first histologically documented case of parathyroid amyloid deposition that presented as a mass. The patient did not have hyperparathyroidism. The parathyroid gland was submitted for intra-operative frozen section and concern for medullary thyroid carcinoma was raised. An important histologic clue arguing against medullary thyroid carcinoma was the evenly dispersed nature of the amyloid. Histologic perinuclear clearing and parathyroid hormone immunohistochemistry confirmed parathyroid origin on permanent sections. The patient was also found to have associated amyloid goiter. Mass spectrometry of the amyloid showed it to be composed of kappa light chains. On further work-up, the patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Awareness of parathyroid amyloid deposition is important as it is a histologic mimic of medullary thyroid carcinoma, especially on frozen section. Amyloid typing with evaluation for multiple myeloma in any patient with kappa or lambda light chain restriction is also important.

The contemporary utility of intraoperative frozen sections in thyroid surgery

PURPOSE

To determine the accuracy of intraoperative frozen section analysis on thyroidectomy specimens stratified by the Bethesda classification scheme and its utility for intraoperative decision-making.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy with intraoperative frozen sections at a tertiary care academic center from 2009 to 2015.

RESULTS

There were 74 total patients who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy with intraoperative frozen section analysis of a thyroid nodule whom had previously undergone a thyroid fine needle aspiration of the nodule. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for a thyroid frozen section with respect to its prediction for malignancy was 81%, 95%, 98%, and 66%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. For 37 patients with an indeterminate cytologic diagnosis on fine needle aspiration (Bethesda categories III-V), the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for a thyroid frozen section was 81%, 91%, 95%, and 67%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 84%. False positives and false negatives resulted in 1 completion thyroidectomy for benign pathology and 3 reoperations for malignancy not discovered on frozen section.

CONCLUSION

While intraoperative frozen sections on thyroid specimens may be helpful if positive, the false negative rate remains high. There appears to be limited value in routine frozen sections to guide clinical management and decision-making in the era of the Bethesda system.

Rapid and accurate intraoperative pathological diagnosis by artificial intelligence with deep learning technology

Frozen section is widely used for intraoperative pathological diagnosis (IOPD), which is essential for intraoperative decision making. However, frozen section suffers from some drawbacks, such as time consuming and high misdiagnosis rate. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) with deep learning technology has shown bright future in medicine. We hypothesize that AI with deep learning technology could help IOPD, with a computer trained by a dataset of intraoperative lesion images. Evidences supporting our hypothesis included the successful use of AI with deep learning technology in diagnosing skin cancer, and the developed method of deep-learning algorithm. Large size of the training dataset is critical to increase the diagnostic accuracy. The performance of the trained machine could be tested by new images before clinical use. Real-time diagnosis, easy to use and potential high accuracy were the advantages of AI for IOPD. In sum, AI with deep learning technology is a promising method to help rapid and accurate IOPD.

Frozen Section Evaluation of Margin Status in Primary Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck: A Correlation Study of Frozen Section and Final Diagnoses

Frozen section is routinely used for intraoperative margin evaluation in carcinomas of the head and neck. We studied a series of frozen sections performed for margin status of head and neck tumors to determine diagnostic accuracy. All frozen sections for margin control of squamous carcinomas of the head and neck were studied from a 66 month period. Frozen and permanent section diagnoses were classified as negative or malignant. Correlation of diagnoses was performed to determine accuracy. One thousand seven hundred and ninety-six pairs of frozen section and corresponding permanent section diagnoses were obtained. Discordances were found in 55 (3.1%) pairs. In 35 pairs (1.9%), frozen section was reported as benign, but permanent sections disclosed carcinoma. In 21 cases, the discrepancy was due to sampling and in the remaining cases it was an interpretive error. In 20 cases (1.1%), frozen section was malignant, but the permanent section was interpreted as negative. Frozen section is an accurate method for evaluation of operative margins for head and neck carcinomas with concordance between frozen and permanent results of 97%. Most errors are false negative results with the majority of these being due to sampling issues.

Cystic Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumour in a Postmenopausal Woman with Absent Virilising Symptoms: A Diagnostic Challenge

A 60-year-old postmenopausal woman, presented with a left ovarian cystic mass with mildly elevated CA125 levels. An intraoperative frozen section showed oedematous ovarian stroma with interspersed large aggregates of spindle shaped stromal cells. Subsequently, the excised specimen was reported as Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumour (SLCT) of intermediate differentiation. The leydig cells were identified in the imprint smears, but were misinterpreted as luteinized cells. The lack of tubular differentiated cells in frozen section had contributed to the misdiagnosis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) played an important diagnostic role in the absence of clinical suspicion and lack of virilising features that are classically described in association with SLCTs. This case is unusual, as the tumour was seen in a postmenopausal woman in the absence of virilising symptoms. The cytomorphological features, IHC findings and the reasons for misdiagnosis are discussed in this case report.

Implementation of a Software Application for Presurgical Case History Review of Frozen Section Pathology Cases

Background:

The frozen section pathology practice at Mayo Clinic in Rochester performs ~20,000 intraoperative consultations a year (~70–80/weekday). To prepare for intraoperative consultations, surgical pathology fellows and residents review the case history, previous pathology, and relevant imaging the day before surgery. Before the work described herein, review of pending surgical pathology cases was a paper-based process requiring handwritten transcription from the electronic health record, a laborious and potentially error prone process.

Methods:

To facilitate more efficient case review, a modular extension of an existing surgical listing software application (Surgical and Procedure Scheduling [SPS]) was developed. The module (SPS-pathology-specific module [PM]) added pathology-specific functionality including recording case notes, prefetching of radiology, pathology, and operative reports from the medical record, flagging infectious cases, and real-time tracking of cases in the operating room. After implementation, users were surveyed about its impact on the surgical pathology practice.

Results:

There were 16 survey respondents (five staff pathologists and eleven residents or fellows). All trainees (11/11) responded that the application improved an aspect of surgical list review including abstraction from medical records (10/11), identification of possibly infectious cases (7/11), and speed of list preparation (10/11). The average reported time savings in list preparation was 1.4 h/day. Respondents indicated the application improved the speed (11/16), clarity (13/16), and accuracy (10/16) of morning report. During the workday, respondents reported the application improved real-time case review (14/16) and situational awareness of ongoing cases (13/16).

Conclusions:

A majority of respondents found the SPS-PM improved all preparatory and logistical aspects of the Mayo Clinic frozen section surgical pathology practice. In addition, use of the SPS-PM saved an average of 1.4 h/day for residents and fellows engaged in preparatory case review.

Frozen section during partial nephrectomy: Does it predict positive margins? Gordetsky J, Gorin MA, Canner J, Ball MW, Pierorazio PM, Allaf ME, Epstein JI. BJU Int. 2015 Dec; 116(6):868-72. [Epub 2015 Mar 23]. doi: 10.1111/bju.13011

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical utility of frozen section (FS) analysis performed during partial nephrectomy (PN) and its influence on intra-operative management.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive PN cases from 2010 to 2013. We evaluated the concordance between the intra-operative FS diagnosis and the FS control diagnosis, a postoperative quality assurance measure performed on all FS diagnoses after formalin fixation of the tissue. We also evaluated the concordance between the intra-operative FS diagnosis and the final specimen margin. Operating reports were reviewed for change in intra-operative management for cases with a positive or atypia FS diagnosis, or if the mass was sent for FS.

RESULTS

A total of 576 intra-operative FSs were performed in 351 cases to assess the PN tumor bed margin, 19 (5.4%) of which also had a mass sent for FS to assess the tumor type. The concordance rate between the FS diagnosis and the FS control diagnosis was 98.3%. There were 30 (8.5%) final positive specimen margins, of which four (13.3%) were classified as atypia, 17 (56.7%) as negative and nine (30%) as positive on FS diagnosis. Intra-operative management was influenced in six of nine cases with a positive FS diagnosis and in one of nine cases with an FS diagnosis of atypia.

CONCLUSIONS

The relatively high false-negative rate, controversy over the prognosis of a positive margin, and inconsistency in influencing intra-operative management are arguments against the routine use of FS in PN cases.

Treatment of leydig cell tumours of the testis: Can testis-sparing surgery replace radical orchidectomy? Results of a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The gold standard for Leydig cell tumours (LCTs) is still considered radical orchidectomy, but testis sparing surgery (TSS) in conjunction with intraoperative frozen section (FSE) has been recently attempted with promising results.

ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE

Studies were identified by searching electronic databases. A bibliographic search covering the period from January 1980 to December 2012 was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE database. Studies were excluded if they were single case reports, meeting abstracts and conference proceedings.

SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE

The present analysis is based on a total of 13 studies that fulfilled the predefined inclusion criteria. A total of 247 participants were included in the 13 studies examined in this systematic review. 145 were treated with radical orchiectomy and 102 with TSS. In the radical surgery group, the follow-up varied from 6 to 249 months). In the TSS group, the follow-up varied from 6 to 192 months. Frozen section was performed in a total of 96 patients. Sensitivity was 87.5%. None of the patients treated with TSS presented a metastatic recurrence, while in patients treated with radical orchiectomy three patients presented with metastatic recurrence In selected cases radical surgery appears excessive and the potential for a shift to TSS as the standard management is gathering momentum.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirm the favourable course of LCT treated with TSS. The results obtained are encouraging and the concept is attractive to become the standard therapy in all patients and not only in people affected by (sub)fertility or with solitary testis.

Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region diagnosed by frozen section

Xanthogranuloma (XG) of the sellar region is uncommon and is difficult to diagnose based on intraoperative frozen sections. This study is a case presentation and review of the literature, highlighting the need to explore underlying diseases in order to guarantee an accurate patient diagnosis. Herein, we presented the case of a 43-year-old woman who was afflicted with xanthogranuloma of the sellar region; the patient had a history of headache and lengthened menstrual cycles over the 6 months prior to presentation. Endocrinology tests revealed that the patient’s levels of prolactin were high and the MRI of the patient showed a clearly defined sellar mass. As a result, the patient was considered to have prolactinoma prior to undergoing surgery. The tumor was completely removed using a transsphenoidal approach, and intraoperative frozen section revealed histology similar to xanthogranuloma. When the tumor was removed by surgical operation, the patient’s visual field defects and headache were relieved. Although intraoperative frozen section should provide some guidance with regard to the diagnosis, a pathological study is conducted to confirm the actual diagnosis.

One-stop clinical assessment of risk for endometrial hyperplasia (OSCAR-Endo): a fast-track protocol for evaluating endometrial pathologies

PURPOSE

To evaluate a one-stop clinical assessment of risk for assessing endometrial pathologies (OSCAR-Endo), consisting of a fast-track protocol with hysteroscopy, dilation and curettage (D&C) with intraoperative frozen section analysis of the removed tissue in cases of hysteroscopic suspicion of malignancy.

METHODS

In this prospective clinical trial, a total of 304 consecutive women with sonographically suspected endometrial hyperplasia and/or postmenopausal bleeding, underwent D&C with intraoperative frozen section analysis between May 2013 and September 2015. Based on the results of the hysteroscopy and/or frozen section, the OSCAR-Endo score was reported: negative, when no frozen section was regarded necessary or the frozen section yielded a negative result; equivocal, when the frozen section reported an equivocal result; positive, when frozen section reported either complex hyperplasia with atypia or cancer.

RESULTS

Frozen sections were required by the surgeons in 59 (19.4%) of cases. When compared with the final histology after D&C, frozen section showed a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and overall test accuracy of 91.3, 100, 100, 94.1, and 96.3% for predicting malignant disease, respectively. The OSCAR-Endo score showed a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and overall test accuracy of 84, 100, 100, 98.6, and 98.7% for predicting malignant disease, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The OSCAR-Endo protocol is easy to perform in daily clinical practice reaching an excellent test accuracy. It helps in immediate postoperative counseling of affected patients. Clinical Trial Registration http://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; NCT01961102.

Frozen sections in patients undergoing breast conserving surgery at a single ambulatory surgical center: 5 year experience

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate outcomes of our breast frozen section (FS) practice in its first 5 years, including our specialized FS of margins (FSM) procedure for breast conserving therapy (BCT) patients.

METHODS

One thousand two hundred and forty eight patients undergoing 1303 breast FSM and/or sentinel lymph node (SLN) FS were included. Clinicopathologic features were assessed by chart review.

RESULTS

Use of SLN FS declined, from 43.5% of FS cases before to 19.2% of FS cases after 2012. FSM patients had a decline in overall reexcision to 12.3% in 2013-2014 (p = 0.063). There was also decline in reexcision for focally close margins (p < 0.0001) but no change in reexcision for extensively close margins. Reexcision was significantly associated with lobular subtype, multifocality and larger (≥T2) size. False negative FSM cases were most often influenced by extensively close or positive final (reexcised) margins sent for permanent section only (96/148; 64.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite changing surgical practices, FSM remains a valuable service that reduces reexcision in BCT patients.

Reliability of Frozen Section Examination in a Large Cohort of Testicular Masses: What Did We Learn?

BACKGROUND

Frozen section examination (FSE) for testicular masses is gaining popularity because of the possibility of performing testis-sparing surgery (TSS) on the basis of the FSE results. The aim of our study was to investigate the reliability of FSE in the diagnosis of testicular masses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1999 to 2016, 144 of 692 patients who underwent surgery in our tertiary center for testicular masses had FSE. The indications for FSE were: masses < 1 cm, nonpalpable, multiple, or with unusual presentation. Mean follow-up for patients was 25.5 months. The algorithm of surgery determined by FSE was: orchiectomy if malignant or nonconclusive pathology; TSS if benign or nontumor pathology. FSE data were analyzed retrospectively. Specificity and sensitivity of the method was calculated for benign, malignant, seminoma, and nonseminoma tumors.

RESULTS

Intraoperative FSE was conducted on 21% of candidates for surgery on testicular masses. The sensitivity and specificity of FSE were 93% and 98%, respectively, for malignant tumors, and 90% and 99%, respectively, for benign tumors. The κ agreement coefficient between FSE and final histopathology was statistically significant (0.76). TSS was performed in 57 (40%) patients, including 6 of 23 monorchid patients.

CONCLUSION

FSE correlates well with final histopathological diagnosis of testicular masses. Thus, it reliably identifies patients who might benefit from TSS. FSE should be considered always in small, nonpalpable, multiple, or uncommonly presenting masses in solitary testis or both testes.

Ovarian Fibroma: A Clinico-pathological Study of 23 Cases with Review of Literature

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to correlate the clinical findings, RMI-4 index and frozen section, in cases of ovarian fibroma with the final histopathology.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of clinical and pathological features of 23 patients of ovarian fibroma. The patient's age ranged from 34 to 66 years (mean-49 years). The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain. On clinical examination, the mean size of ovarian tumor was 9.5 cm, CA-125 levels were found to be raised in 14 patients, and it was associated with ascites in 10 patients. USG showed a well-circumscribed mass (with a mean size of 14 cm), on the left side in 14 cases and on the right side in 9 patients. RMI-4 was calculated in all the patients, and it revealed the possibility of a benign histology in 17 patients. All patients underwent exploratory laparotomy with the removal of ovarian tumor followed by frozen section examination. All but one (22/23) patient had positive correlation among frozen section and final histopathological findings.

RESULT

Ovarian fibroma generally tends to occur in post-menopausal women. All the patients in our study of ovarian fibroma were symptomatic, with the presence of palpable mass in majority of patients. RMI-4 Index correlated very well with benign nature of disease. Frozen section has an invaluable role at surgery; fertility-conserving surgery is the choice in young women.

CONCLUSION

Clinical findings, RMI-4 Index and frozen section, play vital roles before and during surgery in cases of benign ovarian tumors.

Frozen section and electron microscopy studies of the infection of the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (coleoptera:curculionidae) by the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae

This study determined the pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae strain SD-3 against invasive red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (coleoptera:curculionidae) larvae in Hainan Province, China. Inoculation of 1 × 10⁸ conidia/mL caused 100 % mortality of R. ferrugineus, indicating that the conidia of strain SD-3 were highly virulent. The process of invasion mechanism was showed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and frozen section as follows. Once R. ferrugineus was infected by strain SD-3, M. anisopliae hyphae first invaded the cuticular and body cavity of R. ferrugineus. Secondly, well-developed muscles, fat, tracheaes and digestive tube tissues in the abdomen of R. ferrugineus were then decomposed and absorbed by M. anisopliae hyphae, leading to the total destruction of the larvae. Finally, M. anisopliae hyphae reproduced, resulting in a large number of conidia in the body of RPW. The SEM and frozen section are convenient tools to observe the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi and to observe how M. anisopliae is able to colonize and infect the host.

Frozen section analysis of the pancreatic margin during pancreaticoduodenectomy for cancer: Does extending the resection to obtain a secondary R0 provide a survival benefit? Results of a systematic review

BACKGROUND

During pancreaticoduodenectomy, frozen section pancreatic margin analysis permits to extend the resection in case of a positive margin, to achieve R0 margin. We aim to assess if patients having an R0 margin following the extension of the pancreatectomy after a positive frozen section (secondary R0) have different survival compared to those with R1 resection or primary R0 resection.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed to identify all studies published up to March 2016 analyzing the survival of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy according to the results of frozen section pancreatic margin examination. Clinical effectiveness was synthetized through a narrative review with full tabulation of results.

RESULTS

Four studies published between 2010 and 2014 were retrieved, including 2580 patients. A primary R0 resection was obtained in a percentage of patients ranging from 36.2% to 85.5%, whereas secondary R0 in 9.4%-57.8% of cases and R1 in 5.1%-9.2%. Median survival ranged from 19 to 29 months in R0 patients, from 11.9 to 18 months in secondary R0, and from 12 to 23 months in R1 patients. None of the study demonstrated a survival benefit of extending the resection to obtain a secondary R0 pancreatic margin.

CONCLUSIONS

All the studies were concordant, and failed to demonstrate the survival benefit of additional pancreatic resection to obtain a secondary R0. However, inadequate surgery should not be advocated. This review suggests that re-resection of the pancreatic margin may have limited impact on patients' survival.

Relationship between the surgical margin status, prognosis, and recurrence in extrahepatic bile duct cancer patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relationship between the surgical margin status of the bile duct and the prognosis and recurrence of extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) cancer.

METHODS

The clinical data of 100 patients who underwent surgery for EHBD cancer between February 2002 and September 2014 were analyzed. The ductal margin status was classified into the following three categories: negative (D-N), positive with carcinoma in situ (D-CIS), and positive with invasive carcinoma (D-INV).

RESULTS

The number of patients with D-N, D-CIS, and D-INV was 69, 16, and 15, respectively. Local recurrence rates of patients with D-CIS (56.3 %) and D-INV (66.7 %) were significantly higher compared to those of patients with D-N (10.1 %; P < 0.001). D-CIS was a significant predictor of shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS). Lymph node metastasis (P = 0.037) and D-INV (P = 0.008) were independent predictors of shorter disease-specific survival (DSS). The prognostic relevance of the ductal margin status was high, particularly in patients without lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSION

The surgical margin status of the bile duct was significantly associated with RFS, DSS, and the recurrence site.