“…They raise an interesting point regarding correlation of IMV diameter of whole-mount specimens with and without tumours, to validate the hypothesis [1]. Imaging correlation to histopathological specimens is a tried and tested method to correlate rectal cancer staging and subsequent tumour regression grade after neoadjuvant radiotherapy [3,4]; however, we have some apprehensions with the suggestion in this case. First, the measurement of the IMV ex vivo may not correlate with the measurement on CT because of lack of circulation, flow and venous pressure and potential changes in vessel elasticity ex vivo.…”