Value of frozen section biopsies during radical prostatectomy: significance of the histological results.

PURPOSE

To review the evidence about frozen sections during radical prostatectomy (RP) and its ability to decrease the incidence of positive margins, the impact on PSA postoperatively and the significance of residual benign prostatic cells after prostatectomy.

METHODS

The information for this review was compiled by searching the Pubmed database. We used Mesh Terms "Prostatectomy" and "Prostatic Neoplasms" and we added "frozen sections" and/or "hyperplasic cells" and/or "benign cells" and/or "positive margins". Furthermore, we review the articles referenced in those studies and editorials letters.

RESULTS

Several groups have studied the performance of frozen section during RP to try and assess the risk of positive margins intraoperatively. The controversial sites where they should be performed are the apex, the dorsolateral zones and the bladder neck. They have been performed routinely or when the surgeon decides it, depending on the preoperative or intraoperative findings.

CONCLUSIONS

At the present time there is no standardisation in the number, the site and the type of patient where this procedure should be done. The improvement in functional outcomes and biochemical control is not proven.