Importance of surgical margins in rectal cancer.
Distal resection margin (DRM) and circumferential resection margin (CRM) are two important considerations in rectal cancer management. Although guidelines recommend a 2 cm DRM, studies have shown that a shorter DRM is adequate, especially in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Standardization of total mesorectal excision has greatly improved quality of CRM. Although more patients are undergoing sphincter-saving procedures, abdominoperineal resection is indicated for very distal tumors, and pelvic exenteration is often necessary for tumors involving pelvic organs.
Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
Devi
D
Mukkai Krishnamurty
Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
Paul E
PE
Wise
D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D005629:Frozen Sections; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual / Q000517:prevention & control; D059351:Organ Sparing Treatments / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
circumferential resection margin; distal resection margin; rectal cancer; total mesorectal excision