Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

gross total resection

Also written as: GTR — gross total resection

Complete surgical removal of all visible tumor tissue, distinguished from subtotal resection in surgical reports.

Full Definition

Gross total resection (GTR) refers to the complete surgical removal of all macroscopically visible tumor tissue during neurosurgical procedures. This is distinguished from subtotal resection, where some visible tumor remains, and from molecular-level complete resection, where microscopic tumor cells may persist. In neurosurgical oncology documentation, the extent of resection is a critical prognostic factor and must be accurately documented. GTR is associated with improved survival outcomes in many brain tumor types.

Usage

Usage note: Specify percentage when resection is incomplete; use GTR only after first use in formal reports.

In Context

"Gross total resection was achieved with negative margins confirmed by intraoperative pathology." — Surgical summary
"The patient underwent gross total resection of the left parietal meningioma." — Discharge summary

Also known as

GTR complete resection total tumor removal

Contrasted with

subtotal resection partial resection biopsy

Don't confuse with

subtotal resection near-total resection radical resection

glioblastoma multiforme ← Back to glossary hemispherectomy