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When and how will we obtain our results?
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In over 90 % of all analyses, the sending colleagues will obtain the
results within 24 hrs (i.e. the day after the tissue has been gained by
surgery), either electronically or as a written original copy delivered
by our bring in / pick up service or by mail. Certain materials,
however, require a more sophisticated preparation (for example extended
periods of fixation, decalcification, immunohistochemical analyses), or
diagnostical problems requiring a second opinion may arise. In such
cases, the diagnosis may be delayed.
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What is the purpose of intra-surgical frozen section analysis?
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It helps the surgeon in reaching a decision / shows him the way concerning the subsequent surgical procedure:
– if the malignant tumour has been removed completely and if there is
an adequate safety margin: the operation may be terminated;
– if the malignant tumour reaches the surgical margins: further resection is necessary;
– if the sentinel lymph nodes are free of tumour tissue: the surgeon
may proceed without removing further lymph nodes in the draining area
of the malignant tumour.
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In which cases does intra-surgical frozen section analysis make sense?
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Frozen section analysis should only be performed in cases where the
examination result will have immediate consequences on the subsequent
surgical procedure.
Due to the limited quality of the histological frozen section sample,
not every tumour can be safely diagnosed in intra-surgical frozen
section analysis (please contact us in relevant cases).
Frozen section analysis can not be recommended on tissue cylinders gained by interventional diagnostics.
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When is the best time for announcing an intra-surgical frozen section analysis?
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In cases where an intra-surgical frozen section analysis is part of the
scheduled surgical procedure, the respective request should be made in
writing when setting up the schedule.
Why? – because of the number of people that are involved in this issue
(among others, the drivers that have to collect the samples from the
various hospitals).
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How long does an intra-surgical frozen section analysis take?
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The length of an intra-surgical frozen section analysis depends to a
high degree on the extend of the necessary work-up, the number of
slides to be analysed and , if necessary, the additional sample
radiography (for example breast tissue) of the surgical specimen; in
all, this may at best take seven minutes, if a more timely procedure is
necessary, it may take up to 25 minutes.
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What do I have to keep in mind when requesting an autopsy?
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In cases where reasons for an autopsy have been established, it is up
to the doctor in charge to contact the next of kin in order to obtain
their consent. In this situation, using the information leaflet for the
next of kin may be of help. This leaflet (following the leaflet
designed by the Professional Association of German Pathologists) can be
found in our download section.
If possible, the autopsy should – after an initial phone call during
which the respective time window will be discussed – be requested in
writing, in urgent cases online here on our web site. The written
autopsy request should contain the following data:
personal details of the deceased
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date of death
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name of client
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copy of autopsy consent (the original copy remains with the patient’s files)
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information on the autopsy extent (for example no brain autopsy)
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short summary of clinical history and course
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relevant laboratory data and results of imaging techniques
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information on particular or unclear findings
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particular questions put to the pathologist
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information on / questions concerning a possible occupational disease
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necessity to asservate tissue for special analyses
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is a clinical-pathological-anatomical demonstration asked for or not
autopsy request as a pdf data file (german) or as online request.
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