Pathologic processing of the total mesorectal excision.
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.
Department of Pathology, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas.
Molly
M
Campa-Thompson
Department of Pathology, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas.
Robert
R
Weir
Department of Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas.
Natalie
N
Calcetera
Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Philip
P
Quirke
Department of Pathology, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas.
Susanne
S
Carmack
abdominoperineal resection; circumferential resection margin; rectal carcinoma; total mesorectal excision