Morphometric Study of the Female Pelvic and Lower Abdominal Retroperitoneum in Cadavers
Systematic Anatomical Description of the Female Pelvic and Lower Abdominal Retroperitoneum: A Descriptive and Morphometric Cadaveric Study Oriented to Gynecologic Surgery
Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge
20 participants
Apr 14, 2026
OBSERVATIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study aims to provide a systematic anatomical and morphometric description of the female pelvic and lower abdominal retroperitoneum using cadaveric dissection, with direct application to gynecologic surgery. Standardized dissections will be performed in adult female cadavers obtained from a body donation program. Key anatomical structures, including the ureter, iliac vessels, aorta, inferior vena cava, hypogastric plexuses, and lymphatic territories, will be identified and measured. Spatial relationships, distances, and anatomical variations will be recorded using direct measurements and standardized photographic documentation. The study will quantify anatomical variability and asymmetry between right and left hemipelves, focusing on ureteral, vascular, and neural structures. The results are expected to improve surgical planning, particularly in nerve-sparing techniques and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, and to support the development of an applied anatomical atlas for educational and clinical use.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- 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 ureter, iliac vessels, hypogastric plexuses, aorta, and vena cava
- Availability of both hemipelves for comparative analysis
- Authorization for research use according to institutional body donation regulations
Exclusion Criteria8
- 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
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Interventions
Standardized anatomical dissection of the pelvic and lower abdominal retroperitoneum in cadaveric specimens, including systematic identification of anatomical structures, direct morphometric measurements, and standardized photographic documentation.
Locations(2)
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NCT07522931