Anatomic Relation
The rectum in the pelvis is surrounded by vital structures, which cancer of the the rectum can invade via local lymph node spread, blood vessels (middle and lower rectal vessels) and via the peritoneum.
Structures found in front of the rectum are:
In Females (fig5.0A) The upper 2/3 of the rectum is behind the sigmoid colon, the coils of small intestine, the space between the uterus and the rectum known as recto-uterine pouch or pouch of Douglas and the uterus itself. The lower i?3 of the rectum is behind the vagina.
In males, the upper 1/3 is behind Sigmoid and the small intestine while the lower 2/3 is behind the upper part of the bladder, the seminal vesicles, vas deferens and prostate gland on both side.
The ureter is found on both side of the rectum in both sex while structure found behind the rectum include: the lower back bone or the tail bone, nerves and some muscles on the pelvic.
Structures found in front of the rectum are:
In Females (fig5.0A) The upper 2/3 of the rectum is behind the sigmoid colon, the coils of small intestine, the space between the uterus and the rectum known as recto-uterine pouch or pouch of Douglas and the uterus itself. The lower i?3 of the rectum is behind the vagina.
In males, the upper 1/3 is behind Sigmoid and the small intestine while the lower 2/3 is behind the upper part of the bladder, the seminal vesicles, vas deferens and prostate gland on both side.
The ureter is found on both side of the rectum in both sex while structure found behind the rectum include: the lower back bone or the tail bone, nerves and some muscles on the pelvic.