title: [Integrity evaluation of resected mesentery specimen after total mesorectal excision by methylene blue perfusion via superior rectal artery].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Zheng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Lou
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zu-bing
authors.initials: ZB
authors.lastname: Mei
authors.forename: Li-li
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Qiu-fang
authors.initials: QF
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: Rong-gui
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Meng
authors.forename: Chuan-gang
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Fu
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D008751:Methylene Blue