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The Diagnostic Accuracy of Intra Operative Frozen Section Biopsy – A Study at A Tertiary Care Centre
Sarangi Wankhade1 , Smita Bhide2
1- Senior Resident Department of Pathology ,TATA Memorial Centre, Advanced Centre For Treatment, Research And Education In Cancer ( ACTREC) Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India
2- Professor & Head Department of Pathology, MIMER Medical College Talegaon Dabhade, Pune, India , smitapbhide@gmail.com
Abstract:   (917 Views)
Introduction:
A Frozen section is a rapid diagnostic procedure performed on tissues obtained intraoperatively, which helps the operating surgeon make immediate decisions during surgery, primarily to distinguish between benign and malignant neoplasms. It plays a significant role in guiding intra- and perioperative patient management and reduces the need for re-operation.
Aims & Objectives:
The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the frozen section.
Materials & Methods:
 Analysis of 49 frozen sections was conducted in the Pathology department from September 2022 to May 2024. The frozen section diagnoses were compared to those of the routine paraffin sections. The results were classified as concordant and discordant. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated.
Results:
 Out of 49 cases, the diagnosis was concordant with routine histopathology in 47 cases, while 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%.
Discussion:
The overall diagnostic accuracy rate of 95.92% & discordance rate of 4.08% of present study is comparable to previous studies which range from 94 to 98% & 1.4% to 12.9% respectively. The sensitivity & specificity of frozen section diagnosis in present study are comparable with studies from other Institutes.
Conclusion:
 Frozen section is a reliable, accurate and rapid technique for intraoperative consultation. Several factors can affect the accuracy of Frozen Section diagnosis, including sampling error, technical error and interpretation error.

 
Keywords: Concordant, Discordant, Diagnostic accuracy, Frozen section
Full-Text [PDF 961 kb]   (243 Downloads)    
Research Article: Original Paper | Subject: Pathology
Received: 2025/09/15 | Accepted: 2026/07/22
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