Rectovesical pouch

Rectovesical pouch is the forward reflection of the peritoneum from the lower 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 space below the rectovesical pouch and anterior to the lower third of the rectum and posterior to the bladder and prostate is called the rectovesical space.

Prostate and seminal vesicles in the rectovesical space are separated from the rectum by the rectovesical fascia of Denonvilliers which extends from the floor of the rectovesical pouch down to the apex of the prostate.

The female analogue for this space is the rectouterine space, also known as pouch of Douglas or cul-de-sac.

Related pathology

Anatomy: Abdominopelvic
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Article information

rID: 48837
Section: Anatomy
Synonyms or Alternate Spellings:

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