The Role of Digital Pathology in Optimizing the Quality and Timeliness of Intraoperative Consultation

BackgroundIntraoperative consultation using frozen sections has been crucial for guiding surgical decisions, but has often been limited by the time and financial costs associated with pathologists traveling to remote sites. The recent regulatory approval of whole-slide imaging for primary diagnosis has positioned digital pathology as the primary solution to overcome these logistical barriers and reduce diagnostic turnaround time during surgery.MethodsThis article reviews the current state of whole-slide imaging -based telepathology for intraoperative consultation, synthesizing evidence regarding its diagnostic safety, long-term efficiency, necessary implementation requirements, and emerging role of artificial intelligence.ResultsWhole-slide imaging for telepathology demonstrates diagnostic accuracy and efficiency comparable to conventional optical microscopy. The implementation of a digital pathology system requires a holistic strategy built upon 3 pillars: assembling an inter-institutional team, conducting thorough resource and financial assessments, and fulfilling rigorous information technology and infrastructure requirements. Furthermore, whole-slide imaging facilitates remote consultation and is crucial for equitable healthcare access in underserved regions. Technical challenges, such as scanning artifacts and suboptimal frozen section quality, must be mitigated through dedicated quality control and staff training.ConclusionWhole-slide imaging -based telepathology is a safe, efficient, and cost-effective solution for optimizing intraoperative consultation, significantly benefiting patient care by expediting diagnosis and broadening access to expert consultation. Achieving maximal utility requires rigorous quality assurance documentation (including quantifying tissue and noting scanning artifacts) to manage technical pitfalls. Future developments, particularly multifunctional artificial intelligence platforms, will further enhance image quality and provide computer-assisted diagnostic support, solidifying digital pathology's role as the foundation for modern surgical pathology.