Defining the rectum: surgically, radiologically and anatomically.

The terminology used in relation to the rectum varies considerably, added to this there is the subjective nature of clinical assessment and variability in the anatomy of the rectum and anus. It is imperative that definitions are clarified and standardized for use by all members of the multidisciplinary team involved in the care of patients with rectal cancer.

High-resolution MRI of the anatomy important in total mesorectal excision of the rectum.

Objective: The surgical removal of a rectal carcinoma and the adjacent lymph nodes in an en bloc package lessens the risk of local recurrence due to residual tumor. Heightened awareness of good surgical techniques has created much interest in the anatomy involved in total mesorectal excision surgery, with particular focus on the fascial planes and nerve plexuses and their relationship to the surgical planes of excision. Clear preoperative depiction of these relationships is of value in determining tumor resectability.

The long head of the biceps femoris: anatomic basis for its possible use in the construction of an electrically stimulated neoanal sphincter.

Electrical stimulation of the nerve to the gracilis muscle following its transposition around the anal canal creates an artificial sphincter capable of actively opposing intrarectal pressure. Not all patients have an available or suitable gracilis. This paper describes the anatomic basis for the use of the long head of the biceps femoris as a potential electrically stimulated neoanal sphincter.

The inferiorly based masseter muscle flap: anatomical basis for its use in head and neck reconstructive surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate and elucidate the anatomical basis for the use of the inferiorly based masseter muscle flap in the reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects after ablative surgery. The anatomy of the masseter muscle, with particular emphasis on its blood supply, was studied using plain and coloured resin injected dissections and a series of digital subtraction angiograms and external carotid arteriograms. Both techniques were demonstrated to be reliable and effective means of anatomical investigation of blood vessels.