The brain smear, a rapid affordable intraoperative diagnostic technique for brain tumours appropriate for Africa

Accurate preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis is important in neurosurgery. The most common method of intraoperative diagnosis is the frozen section which relies on trained personnel and regular supply of electricity or gas, both of which are in short supply in sub-Saharan Africa. The smear technique provides a cheap alternative without the need for extra personnel. This method can be easily learnt and provides an alternative to the frozen section with reasonable diagnostic accuracy. It is hoped that the method can be introduced in areas where intraoperative diagnosis is required for brain tumours and the frozen section is not available.