In what situation is a frozen section typically required?

A frozen section is typically required during a breast biopsy when there is a need for rapid pathological evaluation of the tissue. This technique allows the surgeon to receive immediate feedback about the diagnosis of the tissue being examined, which is crucial in determining if the excised tissue contains malignant cells. If the results indicate cancer, the surgeon can make necessary adjustments to the surgical plan on the spot, such as removing additional tissue or performing further localized treatment.

In contrast, situations such as hernia repair, cataract surgery, and gallbladder removal do not generally necessitate the immediate pathological assessment that frozen sections provide. These procedures typically focus on anatomical repairs or removals without the immediate need to confirm malignancy at the time of surgery. Hence, the unique need for intraoperative evaluation of breast tissue justifies the use of a frozen section in that scenario.