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Diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative frozen section biopsy - A study at a tertiary care Centre in western Maharashtra
Sarangi Wankhade1 , Smita Bhide *2
1- Department of Pathology, TATA Memorial Centre, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India
2- Department of Pathology, MIMER Medical College, Talegaon Dabhade, Pune, India , smitapbhide@gmail.com
Abstract:   (4345 Views)
Background: A frozen section is a rapid diagnostic procedure performed on tissue obtained intraoperatively that helps the operating surgeon make immediate decisions during surgery, primarily by distinguishing between benign and malignant neoplasms. It plays a significant role in guiding intraoperative and perioperative patient management and reduces the need for re-operation.
Methods: The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of frozen section examination. An analysis of 49 frozen sections was conducted in the Pathology Department from September 2022 to May 2024. The frozen section diagnoses were compared with those obtained from routine paraffin sections. The results were classified as concordant or discordant. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated.
Results: Of the 49 cases, the diagnosis was concordant with routine histopathology in 47 cases, whereas 02 cases were discordant. The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 95.92%, 96%, 95.43% ,96%, and 95.43%, respectively. The discordance rate was 4.08%.
Conclusion: Frozen section examination is a reliable, accurate, and rapid technique for intraoperative consultation. Several factors can affect the accuracy of frozen section diagnosis, including sampling, technical, and interpretation errors.
Keywords: Frozen Sections, Diagnostic Accuracy, Concordant, Discordant
Full-Text [PDF 586 kb]   (913 Downloads)    
Research Article: Original Paper | Subject: Pathology
Received: 2025/09/15 | Accepted: 2026/07/22
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