Importance of the Circumferential Resection Margin

It is difficult to overstate the importance of the circumferential resection margin (CRM) in surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). From the first description of the “holy plane” by Professor Heald,1 the importance of respecting proper anatomic planes during rectal cancer resection has been clear. Maintaining the integrity of the fascia propria of the rectum in order to encompass the entire node-bearing mesorectum as an intact unit is essential to precise to tal mesorectal excision (TME), both in achieving negative circumferential resection margins and in avoiding autonomic nerve injury and minimizing blood loss.
Source: Journal of the American College of Surgeons - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Invited commentary Source Type: research