Topographic anatomy of the male perineal structures with special reference to perineal approaches for radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Because the connective tissue septum guides the surgeon's finger upwards towards the rectoprostatic space, Belt's approach appears relatively easy; however, rectal injury can sometimes occur if the surgeon loses this guidance. In contrast, if the levator edge is identified as the first step in Young's approach, the rectourethral muscle can be precisely divided, leaving a 3-5-mm margin from the rectum and sphincter-levator complex. Clinical investigations are now required to modify Young's approach based on the present results.