Intra-Operative Diagnosis in Surgical Neuropathology: A Study of 120 Cases with Reference to Squash Cytology
Shanop Shuangshoti MD*, Somruetai Shuangshoti MD**, Samruay Shuangshoti MD, DSc*
Affiliation : * Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University ** Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health
Objective : To present results of intra-operative consultation in surgical neuropathology and discuss the diagnostic
guideline for squash cytology.
Materials and Methods : The intra-operative pathological diagnosis of 120 neurosurgical specimens was compared with the
final histologic diagnosis. Squash preparation was used solely in 83 cases, frozen sections alone in 3 cases, and both
techniques in the remaining. An algorithm for cytologic diagnosis was described.
Results : The intra-operative pathological diagnoses in neurosurgery were completely (83%) and partially (13%) correlated
with the final results.
Conclusions : Intra-operative diagnosis in surgical neuropathology is reliable. Squash cytology is highly recommended as
an alternative approach.
Keywords : Squash cytology, Intra-operative pathological consultation, Surgical neuropathology, Neurosurgery
