Digitization and Optimization of Communication Between Surgery and Pathology in the Resection of Head and Neck Tumors
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Heidelberg University
- Enrollment
- 155
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Resection status
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The aim of the study is to investigate the extent to which the oncological safety of frozen sections can be improved through visual communication between head and neck surgery and pathology. To date, communication has taken place exclusively by telephone.
In the study photographs and videos of the tumor are taken and transmitted digitally to the pathology department. This provides the pathologist with a better understanding of the tumor bed and the orientation of the specimen.
Likewise, images of the frozen sections are taken in the pathology department, on which the pathologist marks margins that are not resected in sano or are only narrowly in sano. These images are transmitted to the surgeon and provide a more precise understanding of the areas where additional resection may be required.
To ensure patient safety, frozen section results are also communicated by telephone in the usual manner throughout the duration of the project.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Non Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to — (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Histological proof of malignant head and neck carcinoma by biopsy
- •Planned curative tumor resection with frozen section management
Exclusion Criteria
- •No curative tumor resection aiming for R0 status
- •Head and neck tumors not assigned to surgical treatment
- •No frozen section management planned during surgery
Arms & Interventions
Visual digital communication group
The group receives frozen section management supported by digital visual communication between surgery and pathology during head and neck tumor resection.
Intervention: visual description of frozen section results during surgery (Procedure)
traditional telephone communication group
The group recieves frozen section management with conventionel communication via telephone between surgery and pathology during head and neck tumor resection
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Resection status
Time Frame: from day one through study completion, an average of 1 year
To increase the rate of R0 resections
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Claudia Scherl
Professor
Heidelberg University