Her Fight is Our Mission

Intraoperative consultation is a rapid diagnostic service provided by pathologists during surgery. It helps the surgical oncology team make critical decisions in real time, such as confirming whether a tumour is malignant (cancerous), evaluating if surgical margins are clear, or deciding the extent of tissue removal required.

At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, intraoperative consultations are a key part of our integrated surgical care pathway, especially during procedures for breast and gynecological cancers. Our on-site pathology experts work in close coordination with surgeons to ensure precise, timely answers that support better surgical outcomes and avoid repeat operations.

How It Works

• During surgery, a small portion of the excised tissue is sent immediately to the pathology lab.
• The specimen is quickly frozen and sectioned (cut into thin slices) for microscopic examination, a process known as frozen section analysis.
• Our pathologist examines the slides under the microscope and communicates the findings to the surgical oncologist within minutes.
• Based on the results, the surgeon may adjust the extent of surgery; for example, taking wider margins or removing lymph nodes.

Key Features

• Real-time tissue evaluation without delaying surgery
• Performed by experienced pathologists specialised in oncologic or cancer related frozen section interpretation
• Especially useful in breast conservation surgeries, sentinel lymph node biopsies, and staging of gynecological cancers
• On-site pathology support ensures fast turnaround and multidisciplinary decision-making

Benefits

• Confirms cancer diagnosis during surgery, reducing the need for repeat procedures
• Ensures complete tumour removal by checking for clear margins on the spot
• Helps preserve healthy tissue by guiding conservative resections where appropriate
• Improves surgical accuracy and patient safety
• Contributes to higher patient satisfaction by streamlining care and reducing treatment delays

At Apollo Athenaa, intraoperative consultation reflects our commitment to precision and teamwork, ensuring every decision made in the operating room is backed by expert insight, in real time. It’s one more way we provide women with safer surgeries, faster recoveries, and peace of mind.