The anterior layer of Denonvilliers' fascia: A common misconception in the laparoscopic prostatectomy literature Journal Article

  


Authors: Secin, F. P.; Karanikolas, N.; Gopalan, A.; Bianco, F. J.; Shayegan, B.; Touijer, K.; Olgac, S.; Myers, R. P.; Dalbagni, G.; Guillonneau, B.
Article Title: The anterior layer of Denonvilliers' fascia: A common misconception in the laparoscopic prostatectomy literature
Abstract: Purpose: Incision of the anterior layer of Denonvilliers' fascia is commonly cited as a key step in successful dissection of the vasa deferentia and seminal vesicles from the posterior bladder neck during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. However, anatomical descriptions do not support the presence of Denonvilliers' fascia anterior to the seminal vesicles. To address this inconsistency we performed a detailed anatomical study of tissue planes encountered during laparoscopic dissection of the posterior bladder neck. Materials and Methods: To grossly characterize the tissue planes encountered during laparoscopic posterior bladder neck dissection, ex vivo dissections were performed on 4 separate cystoprostatectomy specimens. Biopsies of the representative areas were obtained from 20 consecutive laparoscopic radical prostatectomy specimens by 2 dedicated uropathologists. Results: Following incision into the posterior bladder neck mucosa, longitudinally oriented fibers were readily visualized, extending from bladder neck to prostate base. Histologically this anatomical landmark represents the fusion of 2 separate tissue layers, that is an inner lamella composed of longitudinally disposed smooth muscle fibers in continuation with the longitudinal fascia of the bladder detrusor (medial fascicle of the detrusor running in between the ureters) and an outer lamella composed of fibroadipose tissue in continuation with the bladder adventitia. Conclusions: Our anatomical and histological analysis refutes the prevailing belief in the laparoscopic literature that the longitudinal muscle fibers identified during dissection of the posterior bladder neck represent the anterior layer of Denonvilliers' fascia. They correspond to the posterior longitudinal fascia of the detrusor muscle that is externally upholstered by the bladder adventitia. © 2007 American Urological Association.
Keywords: human tissue; major clinical study; laparoscopy; smooth muscle fiber; dissection; histology; prostate; prostatectomy; prostate biopsy; cystectomy; urinary bladder; medical literature; anatomy; seminal vesicle; bladder; bladder neck; seminal vesicles; detrusor muscle; fascia; incision; adventitia; denonvillier fascia; vasa deferentia
Journal Title: Journal of Urology
Volume: 177
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0022-5347
Publisher: Elsevier Science, Inc.  
Date Published: 2007-02-01
Start Page: 521
End Page: 525
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2006.09.028
PUBMED: 17222624
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:

http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-33845969909&partnerID=40&md5=636428aff5daae8b349a7953f1c24a62
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 8" - "Export Date: 17 November 2011" - "CODEN: JOURA" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Bobby Shayegan
    10 Shayegan
  2. Guido Dalbagni
    327 Dalbagni
  3. Semra Olgac
    98 Olgac
  4. Fernando Pablo Secin
    54 Secin
  5. Bertrand Guillonneau
    137 Guillonneau
  6. Karim Abdelkrim Touijer
    261 Touijer
  7. Nicholas T Karanikolas
    19 Karanikolas
  8. Anuradha Gopalan
    421 Gopalan
  9. Fernando J Bianco
    72 Bianco
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