title: Variability of the retropubic space anatomy in female cadavers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To characterize the anatomic relationships of clinically relevant structures in the retropubic space.
  
  
  METHODS
  Detailed dissections were performed in 15 female cadavers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The obturator vein was the closest of the obturator neurovascular structures to the ischial spine, median distance 3.4 cm (range, 1.8-4.8 cm). The vesical venous plexus included 2-5 rows of veins that coursed within the paravaginal tissue parallel to the bladder and drained into the internal iliac veins. The internal iliac vein was formed cephalad to the level of the ischial spine; the closest distance between these structures was 3.8 cm (1.6-6.2 cm).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The complexity and proximity of the large internal iliac venous system to the bony landmarks used for passage of trocars is described in this study. A thorough understanding of the vascular anatomy in this space should help avoid serious operative complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Sujatha D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Pathi
authors.forename: Mario E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Castellanos
authors.forename: Marlene M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Corton
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007084:Iliac Vein; D010388:Pelvis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*