RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value in diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology and rapid histopathologic examination during operation of a pancreatic mass.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Both fine needle aspiration cytology and rapid histopathologic examination were performed during the operation of 56 patients with pancreatic mass.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of intraoperative cytologic examination were 94.6%, 95.3% and 92.3%, as compared with 92.9%, 90.7% and 100% in rapid paraffin section intraoperative examination.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fine needle aspiration is rapid, practical and safe. It is able to improve the diagnosis, pathologic grade and histological origin of pancreatic tumor when combined with rapid histopathologic examination.</p>