Surgical and anatomical basis of autonomic nerve-preserving mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

Adequate knowledge of the anatomy of the pelvis is a prerequisite to carry out a correct surgical technique in resection of rectal cancer. In this way, we can perform radical surgery, preserve the autonomic nerves and decrease local recurrence and urinary and sexual morbidity. The key to all this and the difference in results depends on a meticulous and detailed surgical technique.