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Miriam Mutebi: This past weekend, I participated in a seminar “Optimizing Intraoperative Decisions for Enhanced Patient Outcomes”

Miriam Mutebi/LinkedIn

May 1, 2025, 16:03

Miriam Mutebi: This past weekend, I participated in a seminar “Optimizing Intraoperative Decisions for Enhanced Patient Outcomes”

Miriam Mutebi, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“This past weekend, I had the privilege of participating in a seminar titled “Optimizing Intraoperative Decisions for Enhanced Patient Outcomes,” organized by the Kenya Association of Clinical Pathologists (KACP) and supported by Solutions for Pathology (SLEE) and other partners.

The event brought together clinical pathologists and histotechnologists from various regions, including Mombasa, Kisumu, and Northern Kenya. All united in the goal of enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes through real-time pathology. I was honored to share insights with the pathology community about the techniques we employ in breast oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery, emphasizing the indispensable role of pathology in multidisciplinary teams.

Our discussions highlighted the significance of intraoperative frozen section analysis. A technique where a tissue sample is rapidly frozen and examined during surgery. This method is crucial in determining the extent of tumor removal and assessing if cancer cells are present in the margins, thereby guiding surgeons in real-time.

At Aga Khan University Hospital, East Africa (AKU), we’ve integrated frozen section analysis into our surgical procedures to minimize the need for repeat operations. Without this technique, the likelihood of requiring additional surgeries due to residual tumor presence can often range between 18–29%. By employing frozen sections, we aim to ensure complete tumor excision with clear margins, often followed by radiotherapy to reduce recurrence risks.

The seminar also underscored the importance of expanding these specialized services beyond Nairobi to other major centers in the country. Enhancing access to such specialised techniques is vital in helping to improve patient outcomes nationwide. What stood out for me, was the enthusiasm and commitment of the attendees. The initial session speakers provided valuable insights into specimen handling and processing, which are critical for accurate intraoperative decision-making. My contribution focused on contextualizing these practices within the patient journey and management, particularly in breastcancer care, and highlighting the importance of minimizing financial toxicity for patients.

Engaging with healthcareworkers, policy and institutional representatives, and the private sector to discuss the expansion of these services beyond Nairobi was both encouraging and essential. Good pathology remains the bedrock for critical decision-making in oncology. Such collaborations are pivotal in ensuring that patient-centered care remains at the forefront of our healthcare system.”