The role of the neurosurgeon in histopathologic diagnosis

Abstract

Neurosurgical practice has proved that the establishment of a correct neurohistopathologic diagnosis is sometimes difficult. Inconsistency of diagnoses resulting from unbiased examinations of several neuropathologists is not uncommon. The authors-neurosurgeons-have performed 300 fast neurohistopathologic examinations by means of smear technique. Correct diagnosis was stated in more than 90% of cases. Bioptic examination may represent a contribution in cases where postoperative irradiation is indicated, namely under diagnostically controversial circumstances. The authors re-evaluate the possibilities of utilization of smear technique for the purpose of histopathologic diagnostics performed directly by neurosurgeons. (Tab. 7, Ref. 5.).