Does Denonvilliers' fascia exist in women?

The presence or absence of Denonvilliers' fascia in either sex has been debated for over 100 years. The original description of the fascia was based exclusively on findings observed in 12 male cadavers though Denonvilliers gave no account of its existence in women. Not surprisingly, its clinical significance in women remains controversial. Kleeman reports no similar fascia present between the rectum and vagina whilst Kraima supports its presence. In women, it is considered important in the treatment of rectocoele or when mobilising the rectum in the correct avascular plane avoiding injury to the anterior rectal wall and associated adjacent neurovascular structures. The aim of this study was to investigate the in situ detailed architecture of Denonvilliers' fascia in female cadavers using a novel epoxy sheet plastination technique.