Diagnostic accuracy of frozen section: an institutional observational study

Sangeeta Mohite; Sujit Joshi; Reena Bhardwaj

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20240207

Authors

Sangeeta Mohite Department of Pathology, Bharati Medical College and Research Centre, Dhankawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Sujit Joshi Department of Pathology, Excel Diagnostics, Erandwane, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Reena Bhardwaj Department of Pathology, Bharati Medical College and Research Centre, Dhankawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20240207

Keywords:

Intra-operative consultation, Frozen section, Accuracy

Abstract

Background: Frozen section is an important tool in rapid intra-operative diagnosis. It is commonly used during surgical procedures to detect malignancy so that modifications of surgery can be decided at the time of surgery on the table. Frozen section is also performed for evaluation of surgical margins and detection of lymph node metastasis. In addition, it is applied for detection of unknown pathological processes. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of frozen section diagnosis in comparison to gold standard histopathological diagnosis and to find concordance and discordance rate of frozen section with histopathological report. Aim of the study was comparison between frozen section and routine formalin fixed paraffin sections in various tissues.

Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 272 frozen section samples done in the department of pathology in Bharati Medical College and Research Centre, Dhankawdi- Pune and Excel diagnostics Pune, in Maharashtra from January 2022 to April 2023. The study included all frozen section samples with their permanent tissue samples received for final histopathological evaluation.

Results: Out of 272 cases, 268 had concordant diagnosis on frozen section and permanent paraffin embedded section. Out of 4 discordant cases, 3 showed false negative result and definite diagnosis of one case could not be given on frozen section. The overall diagnostic accuracy of frozen section was 98.52%.

Conclusions: Frozen section is a reliable intra operative diagnostic tool. Intra-operative diagnosis helps surgeon to take important intra-operative decision to avoid second surgery. Accuracy of frozen section can be improved by avoiding sampling errors and experience of the histopathologist.

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