Table 1.

Quality of mesorectal excision according to M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. criteria [5].

M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. I°	Complete	Mesorectum	Smooth, intact
		Defects	Not deeper than 5mm
		Coning	No coning
		CRM	Smooth, regular
M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. II°	Nearly complete	Mesorectum	Moderate bulk, irregular
		Defects	No visible muscularis propria
		Coning	Moderate
		CRM	Irregular
M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. III°	Incomplete	Mesorectum	Little bulk
		Defects	Down onto muscularis propria
		Coning	Yes
		CRM	Irregular