OBJECTIVETo elucidate the course of pelvic autonomic nerves and its relationship with pelvic fascia in order to identify the safe plane to reduce the damage of pelvic autonomic nerves in total mesorectum I excision(TME).

METHODSThe course and distribution of pelvic autonomic nerves were observed and their relationship with pelvic interfascial space was examined through the anatomy of 12 adult pelvic specimens.

RESULTSThe entire course of hypogastric nerves ran within the anterior sacral fascia and the inferior hypogastric plexus ran within parietal fascia. Inferior hypogastric plexus crossed the fusion line of Denonvilliers fascia and parietal fascia in the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock directions of the rectum, and joined urogenital vessel bundle finally. Laterigrade traffic nerves could be found in Denonvilliers fascia.

CONCLUSIONThe safe plane should be chosen between rectal proper fascia and anterior sacral fascia near rectal proper fascia in posterior dissection and lateral dissection of rectum. More attention should be paid to protect the neurovascular bundle in the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock directions of rectum and traffic nerve within Denonvilliers fascia in anterior dissection.