This instructional video demonstrates the proper technique for tissue banking a prostate specimen immediately following removal. The process emphasizes careful anatomical orientation (identifying the base, apex, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles) before making a precise, incomplete posterior section to "butterfly" the organ open. The presenter selects specific areas of tumor and normal tissue (preferably from the peripheral zones) which are shaved, divided into four pieces each, and then stored in separate pre-labeled tubes (for liquid nitrogen freezing/future molecular analysis) and formalin-fixed cassettes (for standard processing). The remaining seminal vesicles are also collected. Crucially, the final step involves drying the cut surfaces and using super glue to reconstruct the prostate, ensuring it is properly sealed and prepared for routine pathological grossing and margin assessment the following day.
Prostate Tissue Banking Procedure
0:28 Orientation is Key: The most crucial and difficult step is orienting the prostate. The base is identified by the area of cautery where the bladder was removed. The vas deferens and seminal vesicles are located on the posterior base. The apex is opposite the base.
1:11 Establishing Reference Points: A probe is inserted through the prostatic urethra to definitively establish the anterior, posterior, right, and left surfaces.
1:31 Sectioning and Assessment: A delicate cut is made through the posterior aspect of the prostate, stopping just short of the outside margin, to "butterfly" it open. This allows assessment for tumor location and suitability for tissue banking.
1:50 Identifying Samples: The presenter looks for tumor (described as yellow granulation) and normal tissue (pink and fleshy). Tissue samples should be taken from the peripheral zones rather than the transitional zones, as tumor is more likely to be found on the periphery.
2:27 Sample Collection: Using a clean knife and forceps, small shavings of the best site of tumor and the most normal tissue are collected separately, ensuring the outer margin is not compromised.
3:13 Normal Tissue Processing (PN1-PN4): The normal tissue sample is cut into four equal pieces.
Frozen Samples: Pieces 1 and 3 are placed in labeled tubes (e.g., "Prostate Normal 1") and immediately go into liquid nitrogen.
Pathology Samples: Pieces 2 and 4 are placed in labeled cassettes and go into formalin for overnight processing.
4:14 Tumor Tissue Processing (PT1-PT4): The tumor tissue sample is cut into four equal pieces and processed identically to the normal tissue (tubes for liquid nitrogen, cassettes for formalin).
4:58 Accessory Sample Collection: The tops of the seminal vesicles (both right and left) are removed and placed in a separate tube labeled "Prostate Seminal Vesicle" for liquid nitrogen storage.
5:36 Specimen Reconstruction (Key Takeaway): The cut surface of the remaining prostate is dried, and super glue is applied to one half (focusing on the periphery). The organ is then glued back together to recreate the original anatomical structure and seal the margin. This reconstruction ensures the prostate can be properly grossed and assessed by pathology the next day without distortion from the tissue banking process.