Innervation of Denonvilliers' rectovesical fascia. Anatomical study.

Objective: Dissection of Denonvilliers' rectovesical fascia allows easy cle avage of the prostatorectal and prostatovesical spaces. Its lateral limit i n the "neurovascular pedicles" justifies its resection during radical prost atectomy. The objective of this study was to define the course and to obser ve the structure of nerves crossing the rectovesical fascia, as the sheaths of these nerves may be invaded by prostatic adenocarcinoma tumour cells. Material and Methods: After dissection of a fresh cadavre to define the rel ations of this fascia with the pedicles, rectovesical fascia biopsies were taken during radical prostatectomies. Transverse sections were performed an d examined histologically. Results: Certain nerves, derived from the neurovascular pedicle of the infe rior hypogastric plexus, cross the rectovesical fascia to innervate the pro state. Conclusion: This confirms the importance of complete resection of the recto vesical fascia during radical prostatectomy for cancer, not only for surgic al reasons, but also to ensure oncologically satisfactory surgery, i.e. wit h healthy resection margins.