title: Total mesorectal excision and pelvic node dissection for rectal cancer: an appraisal.
abstract: Total mesorectal excision has revolutionized the surgical treatment of rectal cancer since its introduction in the 1980s. The rationale, technique, and outcomes of total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer are explored. Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection is used by the Japanese in selected patients and has remained a controversial approach in the management of rectal cancer. The technique, controversies, and outcomes are summarized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of California, Davis Cancer Center, 4501 X Street, Suite 3010, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
authors.forename: Melinda M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Mortenson
authors.forename: Vijay P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Khatri
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Petrelli
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010388:Pelvis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation; D017792:Surgical Stapling; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014463:Ultrasonography