Okabayashi space

Okabayashi's Space

Illustration of Okabayashi's Space in relation to other anatomical structures

Okabayashi's Space (also known as the retrorectal space or presacral space) is an anatomical space located in the pelvis. It is a potential space that lies behind the rectum and in front of the sacrum and coccyx. This space is named after Hiroshi Okabayashi, a Japanese surgeon who made significant contributions to the understanding of this anatomical region.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Okabayashi's Space is bordered anteriorly by the rectum, posteriorly by the sacrum and coccyx, superiorly by the peritoneal reflection, and inferiorly by the levator ani muscle and the anococcygeal ligament. The space contains loose areolar tissue, fat, and the middle sacral vessels and lymphatics.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The clinical significance of Okabayashi's Space lies in its potential to become a site for the development of neoplasms, such as presacral tumors. These tumors can be benign or malignant and can originate from any of the tissues present in this space. The most common types of tumors found in this space are teratomas, chordomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

Diagnosis and Treatment[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of conditions related to Okabayashi's Space often involves imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Ultrasound. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, with the approach depending on the size and location of the tumor.