The Contents of Lateral Ligaments: Is Organized Connective Tissue Present?

Excerpt

To the Editor—Thank you for highlighting a classic question “what is the lateral ligament of the rectum.” There has been an essential discussion as to whether the lateral ligament is an organized connective tissue band or a surgically developed artifact. We were pleased to read your article because you raised an objection against the latter: artifact theory. Our colleagues, Tamakawa et al.,1 reported that the histologically identifiable connection is present between the perirectal and parietal fasciae at and near the ischial spine (Fig. 1). Thus, we believe that the actual fascial connection between the mesorectum and pelvic wall is located in the ventrolateral side of thepelvic splanchnic nerves.

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