Mesorectal Invasion Depth in Rectal Carcinoma Is Associated With Low Survival.

Background: Most cases of rectal cancer (RC) in our institution are in pathologic stage T3. They are a heterogeneous group but have been classified in a single-stage category. We performed the present study to validate the prognostic significance of the mesorectal extension depth (MED) in T3 RC measured in millimeters beyond the muscularis propria plane.

Mesorectal pathologic assessment in two grades predicts accurately recurrence, positive circumferential margin, and correlates with survival.

Background And Objectives: We aimed to determine the prognostic value of the mesorectum quality assessed in a two-grade system compared with a classic system.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer were included (n = 103). Mesorectum was assessed into three grades (classic system: complete, nearly complete, incomplete) and compared with a two-grade system (adequate, inadequate).