Clinical application of eight-zone laparoscopic dissection strategy for rectal cancer: Experience and discussion

Table 1 Classification of mesangial integrity in Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group standards

Integrity level	Description	Characteristics
Complete	Intact mesorectal tissue with a smooth surface	Defect depth ≤ 5 mm, distal margin without a cone shape, circumferential margin smooth and regular
More Complete	Mesorectal tissue of moderate size with an irregular surface	Defect depth > 5 mm, not reaching the muscularis propria, distal margin with a moderate cone shape, circumferential margin irregular
Incomplete	Small piece of mesorectal tissue with an irregular surface	Defect depth > 5 mm, reaching the muscularis propria, circumferential margin irregular