Anatomic basis of function-preserving operation for low rectal cancer

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is being established as the gold standard for rectal cancer surgery, however sexual and urinary dysfunction is an established risk after TME. By cadaver dissections, we clarify the correct surgical plane for TME and further determine the relation between the surgical plane and pelvic autonomic nerves. It must be noted that the pelvic plexus can be divided into 2 categories: aggregated shape and diffused shape. The latter is in tight contact with visceral fascia, which seems to be inseparable from each other by sharp dissection. Therefore, it is necessary to study the function of different units in pelvic plexus.