The "terminal line": a novel sign for the identification of distal mesorectum end during TME for rectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although the clinical importance of complete, intact total mesorectal excision (TME) is the widely accepted standard for decreasing local recurrence of rectal cancer, the residual mesorectum still represents a significant component of resection margin involvement. This study aimed to use a visible intraoperative sign to detect the distal mesorectal end to ensure complete inclusion of the mesorectum and avoid unnecessary over-dissection.

Methods

The distal mesorectum end was investigated retrospectively through a review of 124 operative videos at the Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University (Fujian, China) and Cleveland Clinic (Ohio, USA) by two independent surgeons who were blinded to each other. Furthermore, 28 cadavers and 44 post-operative specimens were pro

SUBMITTER: Ghareeb WM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9492152 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature