[Comparison between intra-operative fine needle aspiration cytology and rapid histopathologic examination of a pancreatic mass].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value in diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology and rapid histopathologic examination during operation of a pancreatic mass. METHODS: Both fine needle aspiration cytology and rapid histopathologic examination were performed during the operation of 56 patients with pancreatic mass. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.