en bloc resection
Pronunciation: ahn-BLOK
Surgical removal of a tumor together with surrounding normal tissue as a single, intact specimen.
Full Definition
En bloc resection is a fundamental surgical oncology technique involving the removal of a tumor mass along with adjacent normal tissues, organs, or structures as one continuous piece. This approach aims to achieve complete tumor removal while maintaining specimen integrity for pathological examination. The technique is particularly important when dealing with locally advanced tumors that may have invaded nearby structures, ensuring adequate surgical margins while preserving the anatomical relationships within the specimen for accurate staging.
Usage
Usage note: Note the space between 'en' and 'bloc' - often incorrectly written as one word.
In Context
- "The surgeon performed an en bloc resection of the primary tumor with adherent colon and bladder wall." — Operative note
- "En bloc resection margins were clear with no evidence of residual disease." — Pathology report