Layered anatomy: an ancient concept of abdominal surgery mentioned again

Layered anatomy is a both ancient and novel conception, which is derived from topographic anatomy. Topographic anatomy and phylembryogenesis are basic academic knowledges of layered anatomy. With the development of laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery, less bleeding, more meticulous dissection, faster postoperative recovery and lower recurrence rate are required in surgical operation, because of which layered anatomy is mentioned and valued again. Organs in abdominal cavity are composed of different layered tissues, between them are loose connective tissues which are poor in vessels. Layered anatomy in surgical operation can avoid the “en bloc” dissection of organs, which not only reach total lesion dissection, but also avoid hurting surrounded normal tissues, showing the best surgical results.