Lymph node metastases detected in the mesorectum distal to carcinoma of the rectum by the clearing method: justification of total mesorectal excision.

Abstract

Total mesorectal excision is required for patients with T3 and T4 tumors in the lower rectum, and excision of all mesorectal tissue down to at least 5 cm below the tumor is required for patients with T3 and T4 tumors in the upper rectum.