Okabayashi space

General Information
Latin
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The Okabayashi space, also known as the pararectal space, is an anatomical area located in the pelvis. It is of particular importance in gynecological surgery, especially during procedures such as radical hysterectomy.

Anatomy

The Okabayashi space is situated lateral to the rectum and is bounded by the ureter medially and the internal iliac vessels laterally. It is one of the spaces that surgeons must navigate during pelvic surgeries to access and remove pathological tissues.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the anatomy of the Okabayashi space is crucial for surgeons performing pelvic surgeries, as it helps in avoiding damage to critical structures such as the ureter and the internal iliac artery. Proper identification and dissection of this space can aid in the effective removal of cancerous tissues in cases of cervical cancer or other gynecological malignancies.

Surgical Techniques

During a radical hysterectomy, the Okabayashi space is accessed to allow for the removal of the parametrium and the paracervical tissue. Surgeons must carefully dissect this space to ensure complete removal of the affected tissues while preserving the surrounding structures.

History

The space is named after Dr. Hiroshi Okabayashi, a Japanese surgeon who made significant contributions to the field of gynecological surgery. His work in defining and utilizing this space has improved surgical outcomes for patients undergoing complex pelvic procedures.

See Also

• Pelvic anatomy
• Radical hysterectomy
• Gynecological oncology

External Links

• [Link to relevant surgical anatomy resources]