Space
Rectovesical pouch
A peritoneal recess between male bladder and rectum
High-yield
It is a dependent pelvic part of the male peritoneal cavity. Where free fluid accumulates also depends on posture and the other peritoneal recesses.
Overview
Peritoneum reflecting from the bladder onto the rectum forms the rectovesical pouch. This pelvic recess lies above extraperitoneal seminal-vesicle and prostatic tissues. Its depth changes with bladder and rectal filling.
Reference facts
- Boundaries
- Between posterior-superior bladder peritoneum anteriorly and anterior rectal peritoneum posteriorly, with lateral pelvic reflections limiting the recess.
- Contents
- Normally contains only a lubricating fluid film; seminal vesicles and ductus-deferens ampullae lie in tissues below the peritoneal reflection.
- Communications
- Continuous superiorly and laterally with pelvic peritoneal spaces, without a normal open connection to the retropubic extraperitoneal space.
Clinical correlation
Pelvic infection, blood or peritoneal tumor deposits may collect here and sometimes produce an abnormal anterior rectal examination finding. The pouch is distinct from extraperitoneal spaces involved in many bladder and pelvic injuries.
Frequently asked questions
What are the boundaries of the rectovesical pouch?
Between posterior-superior bladder peritoneum anteriorly and anterior rectal peritoneum posteriorly, with lateral pelvic reflections limiting the recess.
What does the rectovesical pouch contain?
Normally contains only a lubricating fluid film; seminal vesicles and ductus-deferens ampullae lie in tissues below the peritoneal reflection.
What does the rectovesical pouch communicate with?
Continuous superiorly and laterally with pelvic peritoneal spaces, without a normal open connection to the retropubic extraperitoneal space.