title: Gross anatomy of pancreatic surgery related fascia and fascial spaces.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study aims to provide anatomical basis and identify surgical planes or safe routes for pancreatic surgery by studying adult or fresh cadaver specimens.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty formalin-fixed adult cadavers (16 males and 14 females), provided by the Department of Anatomy at Southern Medical University, China, were perfused with red latex through the abdominal aorta, treated with antiseptic and antibacterial agents and then refrigerated. Fifteen abdomen specimens from fresh adult cadavers (Southern Medical body donation reception centers) were also perfused with red latex through the femoral artery and placed in -20 C freezer for 1 week before surgery and anatomic observation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The renal fascia surrounding pancreas and duodenum were mostly filled with loose connective tissues and adipose tissues. They were mutually connected with clear fascial borders but easily to be separated, suitable for surgical operations. Also, the integrating spaces were the connecting borders between different tissues without nerves or blood vessels inside. They may serve as ideal surgical planes for pancreatic surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A better understanding of the anatomy of the renal fascia and fascial spaces may provide guidance for identifying surgical landmarks and planes, and help to reduce bleeding and unnecessary side injuries in pancreatic surgery.
authors.forename: Xiaobo
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Zihai
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ding
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005205:Fascia / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010179:Pancreas / Q000601:surgery*