The R0, R1, and R2 classification of surgical resection margins is universally applied in oncological surgery. An R1 resection is defined as:

• A Microscopic residual tumour at the resection margin (involved margin on histology) ✓
• B Macroscopic tumour left behind at the primary site
• C Distant metastatic disease present at the time of surgery
• D Residual tumour in regional lymph nodes only

Explanation

The UICC/R-classification of surgical margins: R0 = no residual tumour (negative microscopic margins); R1 = microscopic residual tumour at the surgical margin (tumour cells at the inked margin on histological examination); R2 = macroscopic residual tumour left in situ. R1 status significantly worsens locoregional recurrence and survival in most solid tumours and usually necessitates adjuvant radiotherapy or re-resection. R2 indicates palliative/incomplete surgery.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.