Resection margins in modern rectal cancer surgery.

At present, the preferred treatment for rectal cancer is low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision and sphincter preservation. Complete removal of the tumor's lymphatic and vascular pad with free resection margins has led to a reduction in rates of local recurrence and improved disease-specific survival. In addition to the distal and proximal margins from the tumor edge, for an optimal outcome, it is essential to consider distal mesorectal spread and the circumferential mesorectal margin.