[Revisiting the embryonic origin of Denonvilliers' fascia based on female structure].

Abstract

There has been significant controversy over the existence of Denonvilliers' fascia in women. To verify and explore whether women have Denonvilliers' fascia equivalent to men, and its impact and significance on rectal cancer surgery, we conducted observation and research based on previous views, combined with adult female pelvic specimens and surgical video data. No independent and intact fascial structures similar to Denonvilliers' fascia was found in the rectovaginal space. We believe that there may not be an independent fascial structure equivalent to the male Denonvilliers' fascia between the female rectum and vagina. The Denonvilliers' fascia may be an organ and tissue related to gender and regulated by sex hormones during development (i.e., the male Denonvilliers' fascia may be an undeveloped vagina).