Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2016, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (7): 1051-1056.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2016.07.020

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Clinical anatomy of the mesorectum

Li Wen-rui1, Zhou Le-qun2, Zhang Wei-guang3   

  1. 1Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; 2Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; 3Department of Human Anatomy and Tissue Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China
  • Received:2015-11-21 Online:2016-02-12 Published:2016-02-12
  • Contact: Zhang Wei-guang, M.D., Professor, Department of Human Anatomy and Tissue Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China
  • About author:Li Wen-rui, Studying for doctorate, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
  • Supported by:

    Medical Interdisciplinary Joint Research Project of Peking University, No. BMU20140411; National Basic Science Talents Fund of China, No. J1030831

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Currently, it is still controversial about the border, surrounding fascia, space of pelvic cavity, distribution of nerves and lymph nodes of the mesorectum, and the development of new technologies makes a progress in related anatomic research.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the previous studies so as to describe clearly the progress of mesorectal anatomy and to discuss its clinical value.
METHODS: Using “rectum; mesentery; fascia; space; nerve; lymph node; total mesorectal excision (TME); clinical anatomy” as key words, a computer-based search of PubMed was done for articles related to the mesorectum and surrounding fasciae, space of pelvic cavity, distribution of nerves and lymph nodes.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Fresh or frozen specimens are often used for studying the mesenterium, fascia, nerves and lymph nodes by using traditional pelvic and perineum anatomical methods. Computer-assisted anatomical dissection can combine immunostaining with computer imaging. A three-dimensional model can well reflect the relationship among the different anatomical structures, as well as nerve traveling and spatial location. Mesorectum is located behind the denonvilliers and in the front of the sacral fascia of the rectum. Pelvic splanchnic nerve of the mesorectum is derived from the anterior sacral nerve root, runs through the presacral fascia, and enters into the neuro-fascial layer via the pesacral space, which is divided into the upper and lower parts according to the peritoneum. There are more folds in the rear of lymph nodes within the mesorectum within and near the peritoneum. There are still a lot of controversies about anatomical relationship between the mesorectum and surrounding structures, and to elaborate these issues can provide an objective basis for guiding clinical work.