Anatomic landmarks important to the performance of rectal cancer surgery, in particular the mesorectal fascia, may be defined on MRI and are of potential importance in the staging of tumors, assessing resectability, planning surgery, and selecting patients for preoperative neoadjuvant therapy.
The terminology used in relation to the rectum varies considerably, added to this there is the subjective nature of clinical assessment and variability in the anatomy of the rectum and anus. It is imperative that definitions are clarified and standardized for use by all members of the multidisciplinary team involved in the care of patients with rectal cancer.
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