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Table 1 Quality of mesorectal excision according to M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. criteria [5].

From: TME quality in rectal cancer surgery

M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. I°

Complete

Mesorectum

Smooth, intact

  

Defects

Not deeper than 5mm

  

Coning

No coning

  

CRM

Smooth, regular

M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. II°

Nearly complete

Mesorectum

Moderate bulk, irregular

  

Defects

No visible muscularis propria

  

Coning

Moderate

  

CRM

Irregular

M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. III°

Incomplete

Mesorectum

Little bulk

  

Defects

Down onto muscularis propria

  

Coning

Yes

  

CRM

Irregular