New classification system for radical rectal cancer surgery based on membrane anatomy

BACKGROUND Total mesorectal excision along the“holy plane”is the only radical surgery for rectal cancer,regardless of tumor size,localization or even tumor stage.However,according to the concept of membrane anatomy,multiple fascial spaces around the rectum could be used as the surgical plane to achieve radical resection.AIM To propose a new membrane anatomical and staging-oriented classification system for tailoring the radicality during rectal cancer surgery.METHODS A three-dimensional template of the member anatomy of the pelvis was established,and the existing anatomical nomenclatures were clarified by cadaveric dissection study and laparoscopic surgical observation.Then,we suggested a new and simple classification system for rectal cancer surgery.For simplification,the classification was based only on the lateral extent of resection.RESULTS The fascia propria of the rectum,urogenital fascia,vesicohypogastric fascia and parietal fascia lie side by side around the rectum and form three spaces(medial,middle and lateral),and blood vessels and nerves are precisely positioned in the fascia or space.Three types of radical surgery for rectal cancer are described,as are a few subtypes that consider nerve preservation.The surgical planes of the proposed radical surgeries(types A,B and C)correspond exactly to the medial,middle,and lateral spaces,respectively.CONCLUSION Three types of radical surgery can be precisely defined based on membrane anatomy,including nerve-sparing procedures.Our classification system may offer an optimal tool for tailoring rectal cancer surgery.

A new membrane anatomy-oriented classification of radical surgery for rectal cancer

For patients with different clinical stages of rectal cancer,tailored surgery is urgently needed.Over the past 10 years,our team has conducted numerous anatomical studies and proposed the“four fasciae and three spaces”theory to guide rectal cancer surgery.Enlightened by the anatomical basis of the radical hysterectomy classification system of Querleu and Morrow,we proposed a new classification system of radical surgery for rectal cancer based on membrane anatomy.This system categorizes the surgery into four types(A–D)and incorporates corresponding subtypes based on the preservation of the autonomic nerve.Our surgical classification unifies the pelvic membrane anatomical terminology,validates the feasibility of classifying rectal cancer surgery using the theory of“four fasciae and three spaces,”and lays the theoretical groundwork for the future development of unified and standardized classification of radical pelvic tumor surgery.

Microsurgical anatomy of the ambient cistern and its related arachnoidal membranes

Objective To study microanatomy features and clinical significance of ambient cisterns and their arachnoidal membranes in detail. Methods Ambient cisterns including their shapes,borders,contents and arachnoidal membranes were observed in 20 cadaveric brains using an operating microscope. Results The