Intraoperative frozen section diagnosis of the genitourinary tract

Up to now intraoperative frozen section, diagnosis has been of limited utility in urologic oncology. In the future, it may become more important due to a significant increase in the number of nerve-sparing operations performed for prostate cancer. Accuracy and benefit of intraoperative frozen sections depend both on a good communication between surgeons and pathologists as well as on a strict assessment of the need for surgery in the individual patient. In order to optimize cost-efficiency and to reduce the associated risks the indications for intraoperative frozen sections must be rigorously appraised. This report outlines clinically relevant indications for intraoperative frozen section diagnosis in tumors of the urinary tract, kidneys, prostate, testis and penis according to the most recent guidelines. The diagnostic scope and problems of this method are also discussed.