Reseksjonsnivå

Reseksjonsnivå refers to the level or extent to which a diseased part of an organ or tissue is removed during surgery. It is a critical concept in surgical oncology, determining the margin of healthy tissue that must be excised along with the tumor to ensure complete removal and minimize the risk of recurrence. The specific reseksjonsnivå is determined by the type and stage of the disease, the location and size of the lesion, and the surrounding anatomical structures.

In cancer surgery, achieving adequate surgical margins is paramount. This means that the excised tissue should not contain any cancerous cells at its edges. The reseksjonsnivå is therefore planned to encompass the tumor and a surrounding cuff of healthy tissue. Different types of margins exist, such as clear margins (no tumor cells present), close margins (tumor cells are near the edge), and positive margins (tumor cells are at the edge, indicating incomplete removal).

The choice of reseksjonsnivå is a complex decision made by the surgical team, often in consultation with pathologists and oncologists. Factors influencing this decision include the potential for the tumor to spread locally, the proximity of vital organs or blood vessels, and the expected functional outcome for the patient. For instance, a "wide local excision" implies a larger reseksjonsnivå compared to a "conservative excision." The goal is always to balance the need for complete tumor removal with the preservation of organ function and the patient's quality of life. Imaging techniques and intraoperative frozen sections are often used to guide the surgeon in determining the appropriate reseksjonsnivå.