25/06/2026
Breaking New Ground in Ethiopia: Real-Time Frozen Section and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) Integrated During Breast Cancer Surgery
Today at Hope Oncology & Surgical Center, we achieved a significant milestone in breast cancer care by successfully performing a breast cancer surgery incorporating Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) with real-time intraoperative frozen section pathology assessment.
This represents the first reported integration of SLNB and real-time frozen section analysis in a private healthcare center in Ethiopia, enabling immediate surgical decision-making while the patient remained in the operating room.
The procedure was led by Dr. Yisihak Suga, Breast & Endocrine Surgeon, with comprehensive intraoperative pathology support provided by a dedicated pathology team from Swiss diagnostic Ethiopia led by Dr. Wubshet Assefa.
Using the advanced Leica Frozen Section System supplied and supported by Swiss Diagnostics Ethiopia, tissue specimens were processed, sectioned, and analyzed within minutes in a pathology laboratory positioned adjacent to the operating theatre. This seamless integration of surgery and pathology allowed critical diagnostic information to be delivered in real time.
The intraoperative assessment enabled the team to:
✅ Perform Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) and evaluate lymph node status during surgery
✅ Conduct immediate frozen section diagnosis
✅ Assess surgical margins in real time
✅ Guide the extent of surgery based on histopathological findings
✅ Reduce the likelihood of additional procedures and delays in treatment
This achievement reflects the power of multidisciplinary collaboration among surgeons, pathologists, histotechnologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and laboratory professionals working together toward a single goal: delivering the highest standard of cancer care.
By combining advanced technology, specialized expertise, and coordinated teamwork, diagnosis and surgical decision-making occurred simultaneously—transforming what traditionally takes days into a matter of minutes.
This milestone demonstrates the growing capacity of Ethiopia’s oncology services and reinforces our commitment to bringing world-class cancer care closer to patients.
Special appreciation goes to the entire surgical, pathology, anesthesia, nursing, and laboratory teams whose dedication and collaboration made this landmark achievement possible.
Hope Oncology & Surgical Center
Swiss Diagnostics Ethiopia
Precision. Innovation. Collaboration. Better Outcomes.
