A histological study of Denonvilliers' fascia and its relationship to the neurovascular bundle.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the anatomical relationship between the nerves and fasciae at the site of dissection in a radical retropubic prostatectomy.


METHODS
Eight adult male (autopsy) en bloc specimens of bladder and rectum were examined histologically after staining with either haematoxylin and eosin or S-100 protein (as a specific nerve stain).


RESULTS
All specimens showed Denovilliers' fascia to have no clearly defined layers and no definable lateral edge. No distinct neurovascular bundle was seen but nerves were scattered throughout the fasciae, including medially towards the midline.


CONCLUSIONS
In radical retropubic prostatectomy, a piece of Denonvilliers' fascia is taken with the specimen, thus removing these nerves. The loss of these nerve fibres may explain the significant rate of erectile dysfunction after 'nerve-sparing' surgery.
Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Victoria, Australia.
J
J
Kourambas
D G
DG
Angus
P
P
Hosking
S T
ST
Chou
D000368:Aged; D005205:Fascia / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012007:Rectum / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000294:innervation; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000294:innervation
D009418:S100 Proteins