THE ANATOMY AND EMBRYOLOGICAL ORIGINS OF THE FASCIA OF DENONVILLIERS - A MEDICO-HISTORICAL DEBATE

Purpose: We reviewed the conflicting theories concerning the anatomy a nd embryological derivation of Denonvilliers' fascia since its first d escription in 1836. Materials and Methods: An extensive review of the literature for the last 160 years was done. Results: Various studies c ontributed to the debate on the anatomy and origins of Denonvilliers' fascia. We chose to review these studies because of their sound method ology, large numbers of cases and results, and the high quality of the macroscopic and/or microscopic evidence. Conclusions: Denonvilliers' fascia consists of a single layer arising from fusion of the 2 walls o f the embryological peritoneal cul-de-sac, Histologically, it has a do uble-layered quality. The fascia of Denonvilliers extends from the dee pest point of the interprostatorectal peritoneal pouch to the pelvic f loor. A so-called posterior layer is in reality the rectal fascia prop ria.