Pathologic handling and investigation of surgical resected specimen in rectal cancer

: A methodic for pathologic handling and investigation of surgical resection specimen in rectal cancer is presented. It is conformed with recent trends of multidisciplinary approach to rectal cancer. Surgeon is involved in macroscopic investigation of the fresh specimen, whether pathologist is responsible for macroscopic and histological examination of the fixed specimen. A model of clinicomorphologic reporting chart for rectal cancer is developed. Special attention is given to inspection for completeness of the "mesorectum" and rectal fascia, as well as investigation of circumferential resection margin. Precise and exact handling and investigation of resected specimen from rectal cancer patients improve the accuracy of the staging, serve valuable information for radicality and quality of the performed operation, and determine the appropriate adjuvant therapy.