1. Second opinion of anatomical pathology: a complex issue not easily reduced to matters of right and wrong.
- Author
-
Murphy WM, Rivera-Ramirez I, Luciani LG, and Wajsman Z
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Prostatectomy, Prostatic Neoplasms surgery, Urinary Bladder Neoplasms surgery, Prostatic Neoplasms pathology, Referral and Consultation, Urinary Bladder Neoplasms pathology
- Abstract
Purpose: We discuss the subject of a second opinion for interpretations of anatomical pathology from the perspective of patient care., Materials and Methods: We grouped 150 cases involving pathological review at our institution into 3 categories depending on the effect on patient care., Results: Of 29 interpretive discrepancies 14 resulted in treatment changes but 7 of these 14 may have been interpreted differently by other practice groups., Conclusions: Whether the second opinion represents an interpretive error or a legitimate difference of opinion, the result may affect patient care. Patients referred for treatment among practice groups should have pathological findings reviewed as part of a complete assessment by the new physicians.
- Published
- 2001