The MERCURY study group demonstrated that MRI-predicted resection margin status before rectal cancer surgery correlates with which key outcome?

• A Anastomotic leak rate after low anterior resection
• B Circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement and local recurrence ✓
• C Distance of tumor from the anal verge and sphincter preservation rate
• D Response rate to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy

Explanation

The MERCURY (Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Rectal Cancer European Equivalence) study demonstrated that high-resolution MRI accurately predicts the circumferential resection margin (CRM) status in rectal cancer. An MRI-predicted clear CRM (>1 mm) strongly correlates with pathological CRM clearance and reduced local recurrence rates. This has established MRI as the gold standard for preoperative staging and surgical planning in rectal cancer. CRM positivity is the strongest predictor of local recurrence after rectal cancer surgery.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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