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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT07378345

Optimization of Communication Between Surgery and Pathology

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Head and Neck Carcinoma Behavior Carcinoma Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Communication Frozen Section Management Head and Neck Neoplasms Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms by Site Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Universtiy of Heidelberg

Mannheim, Germany

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

visual description of frozen section results during surgery

Procedure

This intervention provides more precise information on frozen section results.

Primary outcomes

  1. Resection status

    Time frame: from day one through study completion, an average of 1 year

    To increase the rate of R0 resections

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Heidelberg University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Acronym: DigiComSurg

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 30, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 30, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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