Specimen Dissection and Sampling

Abstract

Macroscopic examination is a key step in the process of reporting on pancreatic resection specimens. The complexity of the local anatomy, the large number of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases that can occur in the pancreas, and the existence of anatomical variation and developmental anomalies require an accurate and ‘fail-proof’ approach to the dissection and sampling of pancreatic specimens. This chapter provides detailed practical guidance on the various aspects of specimen handling and macroscopic examination. The identification in the dissected specimen of key anatomical structures and resection margins is explained and illustrated in detail. Multiple photographs illustrate the handling of resection specimens with vascular resection and complex multivisceral specimens. Practical advice is also provided regarding tissue sampling, biobanking of fresh tissue, color-coded inking of resection margins, and lymph node allocation. A reporting checklist of data items to be recorded in the macroscopic description of pancreatic specimens is also included.