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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2015; 28(01): 043-052
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1545069
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Pathologic Processing of the Total Mesorectal Excision

Molly Campa-Thompson
1   Department of Pathology, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
,
Robert Weir
1   Department of Pathology, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
,
Natalie Calcetera
2   Department of Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
,
Philip Quirke
3   Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
,
Susanne Carmack
1   Department of Pathology, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 February 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the current optimal surgical treatment for patients with rectal carcinoma. A complete TME is related to lower local recurrence rates and increased patient survival. Many confounding factors in the patient's anatomy and prior therapy can make it difficult to obtain a perfect plane, and thus a complete TME. The resection specimen can be thoroughly evaluated, grossly and microscopically, to identify substandard surgical outcomes and increased risk of local recurrence. Complete and accurate data reporting is critical for patient care and helps surgeons improve their technique.

Keywords

abdominoperineal resection - circumferential resection margin - rectal carcinoma - total mesorectal excision
 

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