ABSTRACT
The morphological study of surgical specimens in rectal cancer involves assessment of the quality of mesorectumectomy, examination of serial sections of a tumor growth area, and study of the proximal, distal, and circulatory ends of resection as a criterion for the quality and efficacy of surgery. The circulatory end of resection is regarded as positive when it has tumor cells inside or within 1 mm of it and the performed surgery is unradical. The data obtained with the use of this technology make it possible to most fully estimate the site and extent of a tumor process, to identify a number of important prognostic factors, and to assess the quality of a performed surgical intervention and preoperative diagnosis. The procedure is adapted to the standard technological equipment of morbid anatomy units.
