Fig. 8.16  Fascia propria of the rectum: Part II

the remnant fascia of Denonvilliers and the fascia propria of the rectum (the layer below the fascia) will allow the dissection to continue a little more.

8.16\ Fascia Propria of the Rectum:

Part II

Figure 8.16 shows the fascia propria of the rectum extracted from the resected TME specimen viewed diagonally from behind, a view similar

to the surgeon’s. The three arrows indicate the direction of attachment of the mesorectal base. The fascia propria has no defects other than this reverse Y-shaped attachment to the mesorectal base and surrounds the rectum and surrounding fat tissue (i.e., the mesorectum). Totally excising the mesorectum means to excise the mesentery without breaking a package named “the fascia propria of the rectum.” A full understanding of its morphology and composition is therefore very important when performing rectal surgery [15].