Cadaveric Study, Pelvic Anatomy, Retroperitoneum, Surgical Anatomy
Conditions
Keywords
Pelvic anatomy, retroperitoneum, female pelvis, Dissection, cadaver, cadaveric model, surgical anatomy, Gynecologic surgery, Morphometric analysis, Anatomical variability, Nerve-sparing surgery, Pelvic vessels, Ureter anatomy, Hypogastric plexus, Pelvic lymphatic anatomy
Brief summary
This observational descriptive cadaveric study aims to describe the main anatomical relationships of the female pelvic retroperitoneum using standardized anatomical dissection. Adult female cadavers obtained from an institutional body donation program will undergo pelvic retroperitoneal dissection. Ten predefined anatomical relationships involving the ureter, pelvic vessels and nerves will be evaluated using a standardized anatomical checklist. Anatomical variability will be described for each item. Standardized photographs will also be obtained to develop an anatomical atlas for educational purposes.
Detailed description
This is an observational, descriptive cadaveric study designed to characterize the main anatomical relationships of the female pelvic retroperitoneum with direct application to gynecologic surgery. The study will be conducted using adult female cadavers obtained from an institutional body donation program. Approximately 20 cadavers will be included, depending on availability, providing a total of 40 hemipelves. Each hemipelvis will be considered an independent unit of analysis. Standardized anatomical dissections of the pelvic retroperitoneum will be performed following a predefined protocol. The main anatomical structures relevant to gynecologic surgery will be identified, including the pelvic ureter, iliac vessels and their branches, obturator nerve, and other predefined anatomical landmarks. Each hemipelvis will be evaluated using a standardized 10-item anatomical checklist. For every item, the reference anatomical pattern will be classified as present ("Yes"), absent ("No"), or not evaluable ("Not evaluable"). Anatomical variability will be calculated as the proportion of anatomical variants among all evaluable hemipelves for each item. Standardized photographic documentation will be obtained throughout the dissections. Anatomical variants will be qualitatively described and illustrated whenever possible. Statistical analysis will be descriptive. Categorical variables will be presented as absolute frequencies and percentages. Anatomical variability will be reported for each checklist item, excluding non-evaluable observations from the denominator. This study does not involve living human participants, clinical interventions, or identifiable personal data. All procedures will be conducted in accordance with institutional and ethical standards governing the use of donated human bodies for research and education. The expected outcome is a systematic description of the principal anatomical relationships of the female pelvic retroperitoneum and their anatomical variability, together with the development of a photographic anatomical atlas to support surgical training and gynecologic education.
Interventions
OTHERAnatomical Dissection
Standardized pelvic retroperitoneal dissection with completion of a 10-item anatomical checklist, observations and photographic documentation.
Sponsors
Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge
University of Barcelona
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Female cadavers from an institutional body donation program * Age ≥ 18 years at time of death * Adequate preservation of pelvic and abdominal retroperitoneal structures * Anatomical integrity allowing identification of the pelvic ureter, iliac vessels and their main branches, obturator nerve, and other structures included in the anatomical checklist. * Availability of both hemipelves for comparative analysis * Authorization for research use according to institutional body donation regulations
Exclusion criteria
* Male cadavers * Prior major pelvic or abdominal surgery significantly altering retroperitoneal anatomy (e.g., hysterectomy, lymphadenectomy, vascular surgery) * History of pelvic or abdominal radiotherapy * Advanced pelvic or abdominal malignancy with retroperitoneal involvement * Severe trauma affecting pelvic or abdominal anatomy * Poor preservation or significant tissue degradation * Absence of one or both hemipelves * Advanced pregnancy at time of death
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of anatomical variation | Baseline | Percentage of anatomical variation for each of the ten predefined anatomical relationships evaluated using a standardized anatomical checklist. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Development of an anatomical atlas | Baseline | Standardized photographic documentation of anatomical structures and variants for educational purposes. |
Countries
Spain
Contacts
CONTACTJorge Garcia Fernandez Principal Investigator, Gynecologist
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORJorge García Fernández, Gynecologist
Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge
Outcome results
None listed