Anatomy of the lateral ligaments of the rectum: A controversial point of view

Figure 2 Operative photographs of open total mesorectal excision of rectal cancer. A: Under open surgery view, no ligament structures can be revealed in a correct surgical plane. Arrow indicates parietal pelvic fascia; B: Rectum has been removed completely. Arrow indicates rectum visceral fascia, and the rectum visceral fascia extends around the rectum, forming a continuous “hammock-like’’ sheath.