en bloc resection
Pronunciation: ahn-BLOK ree-SEK-shun
Surgical removal of a tumor together with surrounding tissues as a single, intact unit to prevent tumor cell spillage.
Full Definition
En bloc resection is a fundamental oncologic surgical principle involving the complete removal of a tumor and its surrounding tissues as one continuous piece, without violating the tumor capsule or cutting through malignant tissue. This technique minimizes the risk of seeding cancer cells into the surgical field and is essential for achieving optimal oncologic outcomes. The approach requires careful preoperative planning to identify anatomical boundaries and may necessitate removal of adjacent organs or structures. En bloc resection is distinguished from piecemeal removal, which is generally contraindicated in cancer surgery due to the increased risk of local recurrence.
Usage
Usage note: Always italicized as it is a French term; distinguish from debulking procedures.
In Context
- "The surgeon performed an en bloc resection of the retroperitoneal sarcoma, including adjacent fascia and muscle." — Operative report
- "En bloc resection with negative margins was achieved despite the tumor's proximity to major vessels." — Pathology report