ABSTRACT
We have tried surgical pathologic diagnosis using a still image transmission system. The equipment we used was a medical information network system (Telepathology) developed jointly by Inohara Shokai and NTT. During the 9-month period from April to December in 1995, we performed pathological diagnosis on a total of 63 cases received via this system. The cases included 21 stomach cancers, 13 colorectal cancers, 5 breast tumors, 4 lung tumors, 5 thyroid tumors and 3 ovary tumors. Materials presented for pathologic examination were 44 lymph nodes, 20 stumped sections of the lesions and 13 tumor tissues. The correct diagnosis ratio was as high as 93.7%. Improvement in the specimen-making procedure reduced the time required to arrive at a firm diagnosis. However, the quality of images of low magnification is unsatisfactory. It should also be pointed out that there is much room for improvement in the technical skill and knowledge of the persons concerned. Nevertheless, great expectations could be placed on this system. With progress in data transmissions technology, it will find its use more widely.