Rectovesical fascia (Denonvilliers fascia in males) is the fibrous condensation between the posterior bladder and seminal vesicles anteriorly and the rectum posteriorly, derived from the fused peritoneal reflection in this space.
| Location | Male pelvis, between the bladder base, seminal vesicles and prostate in front and the rectum behind |
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Separates the prostate and seminal vesicles from the rectum and is the plane used in radical prostatectomy and anterior rectal dissection.
Total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer follows the posterior aspect of this fascia to achieve a circumferential resection margin. In anterior rectal tumours, the anterior plane of the TME follows this fascia anteriorly, requiring careful dissection to avoid seminal vesicle or vaginal wall entry.
The anterior plane of total mesorectal excision follows the posterior aspect of Denonvilliers fascia, separating the rectum from the seminal vesicles and prostate.
Anterior rectal wall fistulation from locally advanced prostate cancer penetrating through the rectovesical fascia, requiring diversion and palliative management.
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