Intraoperative assessment of the Whipple resection specimen

Intraoperative consultation for the Whipple resection procedure has evolved due to the increasing influence of imaging techniques in surgical planning and decision-making. The indications and utilisation of this service vary, at least to some degree, from one institution to the other. The following discussion is a single institutional approach, which is hoped to provide assistance to the practising pathologists in this field. Special emphasis is given to the relevant anatomical considerations and the most common indications for an intraoperative consultation.