Intraoperative cytology in otorhinolaryngologic and cervical pathology

Intraoperative Cytology (I.C.) is widely acknowledged to be not only a valuable adjunct to frozen sections (F.S.) but also, in a high percentage of cases, a valid technique in itself when it is in agreement with macroscopic evaluation. In a study of 211 otorhinolaryngologic and cervical cases, we registered a 96.20% correspondence between I.C. diagnosis and definitive diagnosis, as against a 95.26% correspondence for F.S. diagnosis was deferred in 3.31% of cases examined by I.C. and only one false negative occurred. I.C. is simple, rapid, reliable and inexpensive. On the basis of our experience, we maintain that this technique is not only of great value as a supplement to F.S. but that in a high percentage of cases it can actually substitute frozen sections.