What division of pathology deals with tissues that have been removed from a patient during surgery?

Surgical pathology is the division of pathology that specifically focuses on the examination and diagnosis of tissues that have been excised during surgical procedures. This practice is essential for understanding the nature of pathological changes within the tissues, confirming diagnoses, and guiding treatment plans for patients.

In surgical pathology, pathologists analyze specimens such as biopsies or resected tumors under a microscope, evaluating cellular characteristics, structural changes, and the presence of any disease processes. This type of pathology directly informs surgical decisions and post-operative management, making it a crucial component of patient care.

The other divisions of pathology serve different functions. Special pathology deals with specific areas such as hematopathology or dermatopathology, focusing on particular organ systems or disease types. Clinical pathology involves the analysis of blood, urine, and other bodily fluids to diagnose diseases, while general pathology encompasses the fundamental principles of pathology, including pathogenesis and disease mechanisms, without being tied to any specific clinical practice like surgery. Thus, surgical pathology is uniquely qualified to address the examination of tissues obtained during surgical interventions.