Morphometry and Relations of the Rectum to the Various Anatomical Landmarks: A Cadaveric Study

Background: The present study aimed to calculate the length of the rectum, its anterior peritoneal reflection and to assess the relations of the rectum to the various anatomical landmarks in cadavers. Also, to observe any gender differences. Material and Methods: The present study was performed on 18 sagittal sections of the pelvis of adult human cadavers. The distances were measured from the anal verge to the midpoint of sacral promontory, anterior peritoneal reflection, S3 vertebra, the tip of the coccyx and the lower border of pubic bone. Results: The level of anterior peritoneal reflections was 7.70±1.15 cm and 7.59±1.69 cm respectively for males and females. There were no statistically significant gender differences. Conclusion: The average length of the rectum did not reveal any significant gender differences. The level of anterior peritoneal reflection for the rectum would aid as a landmark for surgeons operating at this site without exploring the peritoneal cavity