Anterior Rectal Dissection

• Incise the peritoneal reflection anteriorly and sharp dissect to develop correct plane between the rectum and vagina/prostate.
• Expose Denonvilliers' fascia and identify the vaginal wall or the seminal vesicles.
• Free the rectum from the seminal vesicles (male).
• Continue dissection anteriorly to Denonvilliers’ fascia with separating the prostate until a sufficient distal margin is achieved.
• Check posterior and lateral levels of dissection to complete dissection circumferentially to the pelvic floor.

1. Initial Exposure
2. Primary Vascular Control
3. Medial to Lateral Mobilization of Sigmoid & Descending Colon
4. Splenic Flexure Mobilization
5. Rectal Dissection & Division
• Posterior Dissection
• Lateral Dissection
• Anterior Dissection
• Rectal Division