Resection margins in pancreatic cancer

Controversy regarding various aspects of microscopic margin involvement (R1) in pancreatic cancer has resulted in conflicting published data on the R1 rate and the prognostic significance of margin involvement. This article discusses the current lack of consensus regarding the definition and diagnostic criteria of R1 resection, the terminology for the various surgical margins, and the pathology grossing technique. Recent developments in pathology examination that allow a more accurate margin assessment are described. Furthermore, the need of a quality assurance system that ensures robustness and comparability of data on resection margins in pancreatic cancer is highlighted.