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The utility of longitudinal slicing method for rectal specimen: pathological analysis of circumferential resection margin of intersphincteric resection for low‐lying rectal cancer
Author(s) -
Matsunaga Rie,
Kojima Motohiro,
Nishizawa Yuji,
Yokota Mitsuru,
Hasegawa Hiro,
Saito Norio,
Ito Masaaki,
Ochiai Atsushi
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
pathology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1440-1827
pISSN - 1320-5463
DOI - 10.1111/pin.12797
Subject(s) - medicine , resection margin , margin (machine learning) , pathological , colorectal cancer , resection , surgery , anal canal , radiology , cancer , rectum , pathology , machine learning , computer science
The pathological assessment of the resection margin of rectal cancer is important to predict clinical outcome. The transverse slicing method of rectal specimens is recommended in Western countries. However, in Japan the longitudinal slicing method is traditionally advocated. The aim of this study was to assess the advantages of the longitudinal slicing method. The subjects were 197 consecutive patients with primary rectal cancer who underwent curative intersphincteric resection from 2000 to 2013. The resected rectal specimens were cut into 12 slices in the direction of the long axis. Resection margin was considered positive when it was less than or equal to 1 mm. Resection margin was positive in 23 patients (12%). They were classified into two groups, namely the DEEP group (n = 16, 70%), when the resection margin corresponded to the deepest tumor invasion area, and the ENTRY group (n = 7, 30%), when resection margin was around the initial cutting point of the anal canal. It was shown that resection margin tends to be positive not only in the deepest tumor invasion area but also in the entry area of the anal canal. The longitudinal slicing method may have some advantages for accurate assessment of resection margin especially in low‐lying rectal cancer.