Rectovesical pouch
Rectovesical pouch is the forward reflection of the peritoneum from the middle third of the rectum to the upper part of the bladder in males.
Gross anatomy
The rectovesical pouch is the lowest part of the peritoneal cavity and usually contains loops of small bowel or sigmoid colon. It is 7.5 cm from the anal margins and is a potential space for fluid collection in males.
The extraperitoneal potential space inferior to the rectovesical pouch and anterior to the lower third of the rectum and posterior to the bladder and prostate is called the rectoprostatic space.
Prostate and seminal vesicles are separated from the rectum by the rectoprostatic fascia of Denonvilliers which extends from the floor of the rectovesical pouch down to the apex of the prostate.
The female analog for this space is the rectouterine space, also known as pouch of Douglas or cul-de-sac.
Related pathology
