THE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF FROZEN SECTION COMPARED TO FINAL PATHOLOGY SECTION: A SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE IN CORK UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, IRELAND

AUTHORS:
Y. Al-Mukhaizeem (Cork, Ireland) , H. Al-Harthi (Cork, Ireland) , S. Paul (Cork, Ireland) , S. O'Connor (Cork, Ireland) , R.Y. Teo (Cork, Ireland) , S. Rupani (Cork, Ireland) , A. Mehmood (Cork, Ireland) , L. Feeley (Cork, Ireland) , P. Redmond (Cork, Ireland)
Background:
The diagnostic accuracy of frozen section is an invaluable resource utilised in the management of surgical patients undergoing parathyroidectomy with primary hyperparathyroidism. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section over a 2-year period in a major training hospital in the South of Ireland.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained data base for all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism between August 2021 and August 2023 was conducted. The results were compared to the final pathology report to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of the frozen section.
Results:
A total of 80 parathyroidectomies were performed over a 2-year period at Cork University Hospital. All frozen section specimens were evaluated for concordance with the final diagnosis. The overall accuracy of the frozen sections was 96.25% (77/80). A total of 3.75% (3/80) were discordant with the final pathological report.
Conclusions:
Frozen section is a pivotal investigation relied upon in the intra-operative management of all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy. The results of our study highlight the accuracy of frozen section diagnosis in our institution in comparison to internationally published rates.