AIIMS Delhi team described 'Ray's Zone' to flag high-risk anatomy in gynecologic cancer surgery
A surgical oncology team at AIIMS Delhi (Dr BRA-IRCH) led by Dr M D Ray identified an anatomical area below the uterine vessels as a 'Red Alert Zone' ('Ray's Zone') where the ureter, urinary bladder, pelvic nerves and key blood vessels are in close proximity, based on analysis of 255 radical or modified radical hysterectomies for cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers. The team reported modifying the surgical approach in the later 105 cases to emphasise anatomy-guided dissection to reduce bleeding and injuries; the report also notes a second described area, 'Ray's Hepatocaval Triangle', for liver mobilisation near major vessels.
Defining specific high-risk anatomical zones can help surgeons anticipate where injuries and major bleeding are more likely and adjust technique to reduce complications in complex cancer operations.