Fig. 18.1 Urogenital septum. Sagittal view demonstrating the urogenital septum (white arrow) Pelvic Nerve Plexuses The autonomic nerve supply in the pelvis is important for sexual and urological function and…

Fig. 19.1 Ultrasonographic anatomy of the normal rectal wall Fig. 19.2 Schematic overview of anatomy of the normal rectal wall At the anterior side, the urinary bladder, prostate and seminal…

Fig. 22.1 Abdominoperineal excision specimen for low rectal cancer demonstrating the peritoneal reflections (marked by the blue lines) at the anterior (a) and posterolateral (b) aspects. CRM circumferential resection margin…

Fig. 21.1 Sessile serrated adenoma (a) showing marked structural alterations such as hyperserration, columnar dilatation and serration in the lower third of the crypts with crypt branching and formation of…

Fig. 8.1 Low tie of the inferior mesenteric artery (intraoperative aspect) Fig. 8.2 Isolated and ligated inferior mesenteric vein (intraoperative aspect) Regarding the vascular time of the anterior resection, there…

Fig. 7.1 Low ligation of the distal sigmoid artery in a clearly palliative Hartmann’s resection Fig. 7.2 Final aspect after a clearly palliative Hartmann’s procedure; the rectal stump is closed…

Fig. 4.1 Carcinoma threatening the mesorectal fascia on the left Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) Current Controversies TME is the key surgical objective [1–19]—can it however be achieved as well or…

Fig. 11.1 Ia-APR specimen Fig. 11.2 Defect following Ia-APR. Notice that the entire posterior wall of the vagina has been removed With this procedure, there is an extensive tissue loss…

 1. Respect the dignity of both patient and caregivers  2. Be sensitive to and respectful of the patient’s and family’s wishes  3. Use the most appropriate measures that are consistent…