Use of color photocopying machine in surgical imaging

The photographic imaging of operative specimens is quite a puzzling procedure, especially in emergency situations and whenever a professional photographer is not available. A careful documentation of the gross pathology therefore is not always possible, and this is detrimental for the full clinical information on the patient. We suggest an original, quick, simple, and inexpensive use of a regular color photocopying machine to produce a real time 1:1 and magnified picture of operative specimens, biopsies, etc.

Fresh specimens recovered from the operating room are quickly cut to obtain two hemisections with planar surfaces. The blood is gently squeezed out and absorbed from the specimen that is put on a transparent sheet of acetate. The specimen is covered by a polyurethane soft block, in order to obtain a better image. It is also possible to make enlargements to highlight interesting details or small structures (lymph nodes).

We obtain color photocopies of the gross specimen in real time at the end of the operative procedure. This is useful for the physicians involved in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Copies are made also for the patient record. The specimen is then transferred unmodified to the pathology laboratory for routine analysis.

Minoltype is a quick, simple, inexpensive, and effective method for producing and recording medical images. The cost of each photocopy is estimated to be one-third to one-fifth that of color photographs.