Presacral space

Presacral space is an anatomical area located in the human body, specifically in the pelvis. It is a potential space that is situated between the rectum and the sacrum, hence the name 'presacral'. This space is of significant importance in the field of medicine and surgery, particularly in procedures involving the rectum, sacrum, and other surrounding structures.

Anatomy

The presacral space is bordered anteriorly by the rectum, posteriorly by the sacrum and coccyx, laterally by the iliac vessels, and superiorly by the peritoneal reflection. It contains loose areolar tissue, the middle sacral artery, and the presacral venous plexus.

Clinical Significance

The presacral space is of particular interest in surgical procedures such as anterior resection of the rectum and sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence. It is also a potential space for the development of various pathological conditions, including presacral hematoma, abscess, and neoplasms.

Presacral Hematoma and Abscess

Presacral hematoma and abscess are complications that can occur following injury to the presacral venous plexus during surgery. These conditions can lead to significant morbidity and require prompt diagnosis and management.

Presacral Neoplasms

Presacral neoplasms are rare and can be either benign or malignant. They include a wide range of tumor types, such as chordoma, neuroblastoma, and teratoma. Diagnosis is often challenging due to the nonspecific nature of symptoms and the difficulty in accessing the presacral space.

See Also

• Pelvis
• Rectum
• Sacrum
• Fecal incontinence
• Chordoma
• Neuroblastoma
• Teratoma

References

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the presacral space

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  Histological slide showing presacral space tissue