Name of the Procedure:

Radiological Examination, Surgical Specimen

• Common Name: Specimen Radiography
• Technical/Medical Term: Intraoperative Specimen Imaging

Summary

Radiological examination of a surgical specimen involves taking X-ray images of tissue or material removed during surgery. This helps ensure that the surgical procedure has successfully targeted the correct area and provides additional information for diagnosis or treatment.

Purpose

• Medical Condition/Problem: Accurately identify and analyze the surgical specimen, often used in cancer surgeries to confirm the complete removal of a tumor.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: To verify that the surgical specimen includes the area of interest and to guide further treatment decisions.

Indications

• Patients undergoing surgery where it is crucial to confirm the complete removal of abnormal tissue, such as in breast cancer lumpectomies.
• Cases requiring immediate confirmation of tissue margins to decide on additional surgical interventions.

Preparation

• There is typically no special preparation required for the patient as this is done on the surgical specimen, not on the patient themselves.
• Routine surgical procedure preparation for the main surgery applies.

Procedure Description

1. Surgical Removal: The surgeon removes the tissue or tumor during the surgical procedure.
2. Specimen Handling: The specimen is quickly transported to the radiology department or an intraoperative radiology setup.
3. Imaging: The specimen is placed on a specialized imaging device, often a radiographic table.
4. X-ray Examination: Radiographic images are taken to study the specimen in detail.
5. Analysis: Radiologist and surgeon review the images to confirm the presence of the targeted tissue and assess margins.
   • Tools/Equipment: X-ray machine, radiographic cassettes, specialized specimen containers.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable for this part of the procedure.

Duration

The radiological examination of the surgical specimen typically takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the images required.

Setting

• Performed in a hospital's radiology department or in an operating room equipped with intraoperative imaging capabilities.

Personnel

• Radiologist to perform and interpret the imaging.
• Surgeon to provide context and confirm intraoperative decisions.
• Radiology Technologist to operate the imaging equipment.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minimal as it pertains to the specimen, not the patient.
• Rare Risks: Potential delay in surgical procedure if imaging or specimen handling takes longer than expected.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Ensures accurate surgical outcomes by verifying complete removal of targeted tissue, thereby reducing the need for repeat surgeries.
• Time Frame: Immediate intraoperative feedback to guide surgical decisions.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: No direct patient care is required as this involves the specimen.
• Expected Recovery Time: Not applicable.
• Restrictions/Follow-up: Routine follow-up from the main surgery continues.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Frozen section analysis, relying solely on visual inspection by the surgeon.
• Pros and Cons: Frozen section provides immediate but potentially less detailed information, while specimen radiography offers a detailed view with minimal delay.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Patients typically are under anesthesia during the main surgery and thus unaware of the specimen radiography process.
• After Procedure: No additional discomfort or pain from the specimen radiography itself.
• Pain Management/Comfort Measures: Managed as part of the postoperative care for the main surgical procedure.