The anatomy and embryological origins of the fascia of Denonvilliers: a medico-historical debate.

PURPOSE

We reviewed the conflicting theories concerning the anatomy and embryological derivation of Denonvilliers' fascia since its first description in 1836.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive review of the literature for the last 160 years was done.

RESULTS

Various studies contributed to the debate on the anatomy and origins of Denonvilliers' fascia. We chose to review these studies because of their sound methodology, 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 of the embryological peritoneal cul-de-sac. Histologically, it has a double-layered quality. The fascia of Denonvilliers extends from the deepest point of the interprostatorectal peritoneal pouch to the pelvic floor. A so-called posterior layer is in reality the rectal fascia propria.