Introdution of telepathology system for intraoperative frozen-section diagnosis

Abstract

Thoracic surgeons often have to perform operations for patients without a confirmed diagnosis. Thus, frozen-section diagnosis is necessary to decide on the operative method. We opened a new division of thoracic surgery and built a telepathology system via the Internet and with virtual slides. Telepathology facilitates high-quality medicine and overcomes regional divides at hospitals without a full-time pathologist. The telepathology system requires a large initial investment and effective human resources for success.