Simplified anatomical nomenclature of lateral female pelvic spaces

Abstract

ObjectivesThe surgical management of gynecological malignancies involves the development of spaces and division of structures attaching the genital tract to other pelvic organs and to the pelvic sidewall. Definition, description, and denomination of these components are heterogeneous and may not be consistent with the anatomical nomenclature. The purpose of this article is to propose a simplified nomenclature of surgical anatomy of the female pelvis.MethodsWe performed dissection of fresh cadavers at the anatomy laboratory of the University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. Dissections were designed to illustrate surgical concepts developed by the first author. All authors agreed a consensus on the description and denomination of the nomenclature.ResultsThe nomenclature system results in a simplified nomenclature, purely descriptive, avoiding eponyms, designed to be used by surgeons, teachers, staff members, and trainees.ConclusionsSimplification of the anatomical description of the female pelvis is crucial to standardize operative reports in clinical practice.