[Integrity evaluation of resected mesentery specimen after total mesorectal excision by methylene blue perfusion via superior rectal artery].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the integrity of the resected mesentery specimen after total mesorectal excision (TME) for low rectal cancer using methylene blue perfusion via the superior rectal artery.


METHODS
Twenty patients with low rectal cancer were randomly divided into the methylene blue group (n=10) and the control group (n=10). All the patients received TME and macroscopic examination of the mesorectal surface was performed to evaluate the quality of the surgical specimen. The methylene blue was injected into the specimen postoperatively via superior rectal artery.


RESULTS
The mesorectal surface of all the specimens was intact on macroscopic examination. However, after methylene blue perfusion, 2 specimens were found to be incomplete. The number of lymph nodes in the methylene blue group were significantly larger (17.3+/-2.4 vs 12.4+/-5.4, P=0.016).


CONCLUSIONS
Integrity evaluation of TME specimen is necessary. Methylene blue perfusion is a convenient and effective method to identify subtle incompleteness of specimen and can improve the detection of lymph node.
Lou
Zheng
Z
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Zhang
Wei
W
Mei
Zu-bing
ZB
Wang
Li-li
LL
Ji
Qiu-fang
QF
Meng
Rong-gui
RG
Fu
Chuan-gang
CG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D008297:Male; D017537:Mesenteric Artery, Inferior; D008643:Mesentery / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008751:Methylene Blue; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011379:Prognosis; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000098:blood supply
D008751:Methylene Blue