résection

A resection is a surgical procedure in which all or part of an organ, tissue, or structure is removed. Resection can be partial or total and is performed to remove diseased tissue, restore function, or relieve symptoms. Procedures may be carried out through open, laparoscopic, or robotic approaches and are often followed by reconstruction or anastomosis to restore continuity of the affected system.

In oncology, resection aims to remove malignant tissue with clear margins, sometimes along with regional lymph nodes. The status of the surgical margins is reported as R0 (no cancer at the margins), R1 (microscopic residual tumor), or R2 (macroscopic residual tumor). Depending on the organ and disease, resections may be curative or palliative and are frequently combined with adjuvant therapy and careful follow-up.

Examples by organ include colorectal resection (colectomy), hepatic resection (hepatectomy), pancreatic resection (including procedures such as the Whipple procedure), pulmonary resection (lobectomy or pneumonectomy), and brain tumor resection. Urologic and gynecologic practice includes transurethral or open resections of urogenital tumors, as well as organ-preserving approaches when feasible. Endoscopic and minimally invasive resections, such as TURP for benign prostatic enlargement or TURBT for bladder tumors, are common alternatives to open surgery.

Preoperative planning typically involves imaging to map extent and anatomy, while intraoperative assessment determines resectability and preserves function. Risks include bleeding, infection, damage to adjacent structures, and potential loss of organ function. Outcomes depend on achieving adequate removal with acceptable margins while maintaining patient safety and quality of life.