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Optimization of Communication Between Surgery and Pathology

Digitization and Optimization of Communication Between Surgery and Pathology in the Resection of Head and Neck Tumors

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07378345
Acronym
DigiComSurg
Enrollment
155
Registered
2026-01-30
Start date
2024-03-05
Completion date
2025-12-31
Last updated
2026-01-30

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Frozen Section Management, Head and Neck Carcinoma

Keywords

Frozen Section, communication, Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Resection Status, Margin Assessment, HNSCC

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.

Interventions

PROCEDUREvisual description of frozen section results during surgery

This intervention provides more precise information on frozen section results.

Sponsors

Heidelberg University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
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

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Resection statusfrom day one through study completion, an average of 1 yearTo increase the rate of R0 resections

Countries

Germany

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026