Comparison between intra-operative fine needle aspiration cytology and rapid histopathologic examination of a pancreatic mass

Objective To evaluate the value in diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology and rapid histopathologic examination during operation of a pancreatic mass. Methods Both fine needle aspiration cytology and rapid histopathologic examination were performed during the operation of 56 patients with pancreatic mass. Results The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of intraoperative cytologic examination were 94. 6 % , 95. 3 % and 92.3% ,as compared with 92.9% , 90.7% and 100% in rapid paraffin section intraoperative examination. Conclusion Fine needle aspiration is rapid, practical and safe. It is able to improve the diagnosis, pathologic grade and hitological origin of pancreatic tumor when combined with rapid hitopathologic examination.