Vascular anatomy over the superior pubic rami in female cadavers

Exploring the Topography of the Obturator Artery and Corona Mortis: a Detailed Analysis with Surgical Implications

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The obturator artery (ObA) is described as a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. It arises close to the origin of the umbilical artery, where it is crossed by the ureter. The main goal of the present study was to create an anatomical map of the ObA demonstrating the most frequent locations of the vessel's origin and course.

METHODS

In May 2022, an evaluation of the findings from 75 consecutive patients who underwent computed tomography angiography studies of the abdomen and pelvis was performed.

RESULTS

The presented results are based on a total of 138 arteries. Mostly, ObA originated from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery (79 out of 138; 57.2%). The median ObA diameter at its origin was found to be 3.34 mm (lower quartile [LQ] = 3.00; upper quartile [UQ] = 3.87). The median cross-sectional area of the ObA at its origin was found to be 6.31 mm2 (LQ = 5.43; UQ = 7.32).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study developed a unique arterial anatomical map of the ObA, showcasing its origin and course. Moreover, we have provided more data for straightforward intraoperative identification of the corona mortis through simple anatomical landmarks, including the pubic symphysis. Interestingly, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the morphometric properties of the aberrant ObAs and the "normal" ObAs originating from the internal iliac artery was found. It is hoped that our study may aid in reducing the risk of serious hemorrhagic complications during various surgical procedures in the pelvic region.

The anatomical variability of obturator vessels: Systematic review of literature

OBJECTIVE

To systematically assess available information about all variations of obturator vessels and to present the most surgically relevant types, their prevalence and calibre in order to provide a comprehensive overview for both anatomists and clinicians.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 2689 studies were found via searching the online databases. After applying exclusion criteria 44 studies were assessed. The cadaveric studies, CT angiographies, and clinical studies were included. Number of hemipelves, prevalence of each variation and calibre of identified vessels were studied. Each variation was classified as aberrant obturator artery/vein, aberrant accessory obturator artery/vein or anastomosis.

RESULTS

In included studies the average incidence of the variant obturator artery was 26% with the aberrant obturator artery being the most frequent type (with the mean calibre 2.10 mm, SD = 0.35 mm), while the overall incidence of the variant obturator vein was 55%. Presented venous structures had the mean calibre of 2.98 mm (SD = 0.56 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

According to reviewed studies, variant obturator vessels are present in a great number of patients. Due to their possible calibre larger than 3 mm they represent a structure of high clinical importance. It is important to unify the terminology and to stress out the significance to all clinicians.

Robotic Burch colposuspension: anatomical and technical considerations

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Up to 13.6% of women will undergo surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence during their lifetime. Midurethral slings are the mainstay of stress incontinence treatment; however, diversity of surgical options is needed to serve the large number of patients desiring treatment. The Burch colposuspension remains a viable treatment option for appropriately selected patients. Currently, information on procedural standardization and tools for surgical training on robot-assisted colposuspension is limited.

METHODS

We describe a stepwise robotic approach aimed at enhancing procedural reproducibility, while decreasing risks of intraoperative injury and postoperative complications. We analyze perioperative outcomes of our technique in a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent robot-assisted colposuspension at our institution.

RESULTS

Seven key procedural steps are defined to optimize safe dissection in the retropubic space and to reduce the potential for surgical complications. These include methods of avoiding bladder, urethral, and neurovascular injury, as well as enhancing adequate suture fixation that prevents urethral obstruction and adverse postoperative urinary and pain-related symptoms. Surgical outcomes for 20 patients are reported and reveal low rates of perioperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Robot-assisted colposuspension requires thorough knowledge of the retropubic space and the application of standardized techniques may reduce the risk of injury and optimize procedure efficiency and reproducibility.

The corona mortis: is it a rare and dangerous anomaly in adolescents undergoing periacteabular osteotomy?

The corona mortis (CM) is a vascular connection between the obturator and external iliac or internal epigastric vessels that has historically been identified as a source of hemorrhage in pelvic surgery. However, its frequency, location, proximity to the osteotomies performed, vascular contributions and impact on blood loss in patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) are unknown. We sought to identify the frequency, origin, location relative to osteotomies performed during surgery and impact on blood loss of the CM. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hips of 28 adolescent patients (56 hips) undergoing PAO was retrospectively reviewed for the presence of a CM. When identifiable, the size, nature (arterial or venous), orientation, position relative to the iliopectineal eminence (IPE) and associated estimated blood loss (EBL) were recorded. 75% (21/28) of patients possessed an identifiable, ipsilateral CM to the site of PAO, 90% of which were venous and 10% arterial. The vessel was typically 8.3 ± 3.8 mm medial and 11.1 ± 5.3 mm caudal from the anterosuperomedial edge of the IPE. There was no significant difference in the amount of EBL (519 ± 260 versus 694 ± 369 ml) or need for post-op transfusions (1/21 versus 0/7) between patients who possessed a CM and those who did not, respectively (P = 0.21). CM was more prevalent in this study than previously reported. However, the presence of an ipsilateral CM was not associated with an increase in EBL or transfusion during routine PAO surgery using modern surgical techniques.

The Use of Anterior Superior Iliac Spine Osteotomy to Access the Anterior Column in Tumor Resection: A Case Report

CASE

A 24-year-old woman with chondrosarcoma of the superior pubic ramus underwent a Type III pelvic resection through an ilioinguinal approach, modified with anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) osteotomy. The osteotomy mobilized the ASIS and sartorious distally, exposing the anterior wall and superior ramus. A custom cutting guide was placed on the anterior acetabular wall for en bloc superior ramus resection with hip-sparing osteotomy and negative margins.

CONCLUSION

ASIS osteotomy for sartorius mobilization improves visualization of the anterior column of the acetabulum and heals more reliably than sartorius tenotomy, therefore should be considered during tumor resection involving the anterior column, superior ramus, or acetabular wall.

Corona Mortis: A Systematic Review of Literature

Our systematic review evaluates surgically relevant information about corona mortis (CM), such as anatomical structure, size, laterality, incidence, and anthropometric correlations. This study aimed to provide data about anastomosis in an attempt to avoid iatrogenic damage during surgery. Articles were searched online using the descriptor "Corona Mortis" in PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Saúde [LILACS], MEDLINE, indice bibliografico espaãol en ciencias de la salud [IBECS]), and SciELO database. The time range was set between 1995 and 2020. The articles were selected according to their titles and later the abstracts' relation to our research purpose. All the selected articles were read entirely. A manual search based of the references cited in these articles was also conducted to identify other articles or books of interest. Forty references fulfilled the criteria for this review. The mean incidence of CM was 63% (the majority venous) among 3,107 hemipelvises. The incidence of bilateral CM was lower than that of unilateral variations based on the analysis of 831 pelvises. The mean caliber of the anastomosis was 2.8 mm among 1,608 hemipelvises. There is no consensus concerning the anthropometric influences in CM. Finally, we concluded that CM is not an unusual anatomical variation and that we must not underestimate the risk of encountering the anastomosis during surgery. Anatomical knowledge of CM is, therefore, essential in preventing accidents for surgeons who approach the inguinal and retropubic regions.

The Anatomical Characteristics of Corona Mortis: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Its Clinical Importance in Hernia Repair

Background

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common daily operations in general surgery. However, the anatomical structures of the region, such as the corona mortis (the crown of death), make this procedure quite challenging. A comprehensive knowledge of its anatomy is essential, since massive hemorrhage may occur if the vessel is injured. The current review of the literature aimed to report the frequency and anatomical variations of vascular corona mortis.

Methods

A substantial study was coordinated through PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. The Prisma guidelines were used for the systematic review of the articles found. A total of 13 studies and 1,455 patients were included for the statistical analysis.

Results

The results showed that corona mortis was present in about half the hemi-pelvises, and to be more accurate, the prevalence was 46%. Venous corona mortis was more frequent than the arterial type (42% vs. 25%).

Conclusions

Considering the percentages mentioned above, every surgeon who schedules an operation on the retro-pubic area, especially during a hernioplasty procedure, should evaluate the possibility of the presence of corona mortis. Anatomical knowledge of the region is vital for attempting to eliminate the risk of injuring the corona mortis during surgery.

Gross and histologic relationships of the retropubic urethra to lateral pelvic sidewall and anterior vaginal wall in female cadavers: clinical applications to retropubic surgery

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of the retropubic space anatomy is essential for safe entry and surgical applications within this space.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to examine the gross and histologic anatomy of the retropubic urethra, paraurethral tissue, and urethrovaginal space and to correlate findings to retropubic procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

Anatomic relationships of the retropubic urethra were examined grossly in unembalmed female cadavers. Measured distances included: lateral urethral wall to arcus tendineus fascia pelvis at the level of urethrovesical junction and at 1 cm distal. Other measurements included retropubic urethral length and distances from internal urethral opening to each ureteric orifice. Microscopic examination was performed at the same levels examined grossly in separate nulliparous specimens. Descriptive statistics were used for data analyses.

RESULTS

In all, 25 cadavers were examined grossly. Median distance from lateral urethral wall to arcus tendineus fascia pelvis at the level of urethrovesical junction was 25 mm (range, 13-38 mm). At 1 cm distal, the median distance from aforementioned structures was 14 mm (10-26 mm). Median length of the retropubic urethra was 23 mm (range 15-30 mm). Four nulliparous specimens, ages 12 weeks, and 34, 47, and 52 years, were examined histologically. No histologic evidence of a discrete fascial layer between bladder/urethra and anterior vagina was noted at any level examined. Tissue between the urethra and the pelvic sidewall skeletal muscle was composed of dense fibrous tissue, smooth muscle bundles, scant adipose tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The smooth muscle fibers of the vaginal muscularis interdigitated with skeletal muscle fibers in the pelvic sidewall at both levels examined. No histologic evidence of "pubourethral ligaments" within the paraurethral tissue was noticed.

CONCLUSION

A 2-cm "zone of safety" exists between the urethra and arcus tendineus fascia pelvis at the urethrovesical junction level. Suture or graft placement within this region should minimize injury to the urethra, pelvic sidewall muscles, and bladder. Knowledge that the shortest length of retropubic urethra was 1.5 cm and shortest urethra to arcus tendineus fascia pelvis distance was 1 cm highlights the importance of maintaining dissection and trocar entry site close to pubic bone to avoid bladder and/or urethral injury. Histologic analysis of paraurethral tissue supports the nonexistence of pubourethral ligaments.

The prevalence and morphology of the corona mortis (Crown of death): A meta-analysis with implications in abdominal wall and pelvic surgery

PURPOSE

Corona mortis is a highly variable vascular connection between the obturator and external iliac or inferior epigastric arteries or veins located behind the superior pubic ramus in the retropubic space (space of Retzius). Due to the significant variation in this collateral circulation, detailed anatomical knowledge of the corona mortis is vital to enhance the prevention of possible iatrogenic errors in hernia repair and other pubic surgical procedures. The aim of our meta-analysis was to provide comprehensive data on the prevalence, anatomical characteristics, and ethnic variations of the corona mortis vessel.

METHODS

An extensive search was conducted through the major electronic databases to identify eligible articles. Data extracted included investigative method, prevalence of the corona mortis vessels among hemi-pelvises (overall, arterial only, venous only, and combined), distance from the corona mortis to pubic symphysis, and assessment of gender, side, laterality, and ethnicity subgroups.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies (n=2184 hemi-pelvises) were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of the corona mortis in hemi-pelvises is high (49.3%). A venous corona mortis is more prevalent than an arterial corona mortis (41.7% vs. 17.0%). The corona mortis is more common in Asia (59.3%) than in Europe (42.8%) and North America (44.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

As a corona mortis is present in an about half of all hemi-pelvises, it is important to consider the possibilities of its presence when undertaking surgical procedures and plan accordingly to avoid injuries. All surgeons operating in the retropubic region should have a thorough understanding of the anatomical characteristics and surgical implications of a corona mortis.

A new concept and classification of corona mortis and its clinical significance

PURPOSE

The obturator artery and its accessory (aberrant) arising from different origins and crossing the pubic rami are vascular variations. The internal iliac artery usually provides the obturator artery which may communicates with the external iliac artery through either the accessory obturator or inferior epigastric artery. A collateral circulation between the external and internal iliac system is known as corona mortis. The aim of current study is to provide sufficient data of vascular variability crossing the pubic rami for clinical field.

METHODS

Present study includes 208 hemipelvises dissected in the Institution of Anatomy, Medical University of Graz. During dissection, the obturator artery and its accessory crossing the superior rami of pubic bone were found to have different origins.

RESULTS

The obturator artery arising from the external iliac artery and from the femoral artery accounts for 9.8% and 1.1% respectively. Therefore, it passes over the superior pubic rami in 10.9%. Further, the accessory (aberrant) artery arises only from the femoral artery in 1.1%. In present study, the vascular variation crossing the superior pubic rami with or without collateral circulation between external and internal iliac system referred as corona mortis is addressed. This study includes new classification of obturator and accessory obturator arteries as well as the corona mortis. It includes a comparison of corona mortis incidence in Austria population and other populations. The corona mortis found to be in 12% of Austrian population.

CONCLUSION

A great attention of clinicians, radiologists, surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, obstetricians and gynecologists has to be considered before pubic surgical procedures such as internal fixation of pubic fracture, an inguinal hernia repair. Further, traumatic pubic rami fracture may lead to massive hemor- rhage due to laceration of the obturator artery.

Modified medial Stoppa approach for acetabular fractures: an anatomic study

BACKGROUND

The modified medial Stoppa approach is an alternative and new surgical approach to access to the internal pelvis and medial wall of the acetabulum. There is little information about the clinical anatomic specifications of exposure in the literature. In this study, the pertinent surgical anatomy that involved the modified medial Stoppa approach was further defined and the anatomic positions and variations of the structures seen in the surgical site were analyzed.

METHODS

We dissected five formalized cadavers to present structures at risk in a standard modified medial Stoppa approach. The internal iliac artery and branches were colored with latex injection in formalized cadavers. Morphometrical measurements of the neurovascular structures adjacent to quadrilateral surface and their anatomic variations were noted.

RESULTS

It was detected that the obturator vessels and nerve and the iliolumbar vessels were primarily the structures at risk. Obturator vessels and nerve were the most important structures to pay attention because of their direct contact to quadrilateral surface. There was communication (corona mortis) between obturator and inferior epigastric veins in 4 (40%) of 10 hemipelvises.

CONCLUSIONS

Before clinical applications, performing cadaver dissection is important to minimize intraoperative complications. This study was the first anatomic study in the literature that reveals the structures that are at risk during surgical treatment of acetabular fractures, which was treated with the modified medial Stoppa approach.

Site-specific prolapse surgery. I. Reliability and durability of native tissue paravaginal repair

Introduction and hypothesis

This study aims to compare native tissue abdominal and vaginal paravaginal repair, and to investigate whether surgical outcome was independent of operative route.

Methods

Retrospective comparison of 111 displacement cysto-urethrocoeles, repaired between 1997 and 2007. Treatment was by surgeon assignment, 52 women having abdominal (APVR) and 59 vaginal paravaginal repairs. Main outcome measures were same-site prolapse recurrence, time to failure and surgical complications. Initial reliability was evaluated by chi-square test, 10-year durability by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

When examined in the Cox proportional hazards model, anatomic results of APVR were more durable than a mechanically analogous transvaginal operation done [95% CI = 1.029–2.708 (p value = 0.038)]. Kaplan–Meier curves plateaued within 38 months. Symptom resolution was broadly equivalent. Surgical complication rate was 3.6%.

Conclusions

Site-specific re-suture of torn native tissue has genuine curative potential. Most of the long-term success was attributable to site-specific repair, rather than non-specific scar formation.

Demonstration of pelvic anatomy by modified midline transection that maintains intact internal pelvic organs

Gross dissection for demonstrating anatomy of the human pelvis has traditionally involved one of two approaches, each with advantages and disadvantages. Classic hemisection in the median plane through the pelvic ring transects the visceral organs but maintains two symmetric pelvic halves. An alternative paramedial transection compromises one side of the bony pelvis but leaves the internal organs intact. The authors propose a modified technique that combines advantages of both classical dissections. This novel approach involves dividing the pubic symphysis and sacrum in the median plane after shifting all internal organs to one side. The hemipelvis without internal organs is immediately available for further dissection of the lower limb. The hemipelvis with intact internal organs is ideal for showing the complex spatial relationships of the pelvic organs and vessels relative to the intact pelvic floor.

Anatomy of pelvic floor dysfunction

Normal physiologic function of the pelvic organs depends on the anatomic integrity and proper interaction among the pelvic structures, the pelvic floor support components, and the nervous system. Pelvic floor dysfunction includes urinary and anal incontinence; pelvic organ prolapse; and sexual, voiding, and defecatory dysfunction. Understanding the anatomy and proper interaction among the support components is essential to diagnose and treat pelvic floor dysfunction. The primary aim of this article is to provide an updated review of pelvic support anatomy with clinical correlations. In addition, surgical spaces of interest to the gynecologic surgeon and the course of the pelvic ureter are described. Several concepts reviewed in this article are derived and modified from a previous review of pelvic support anatomy.

Variability of the retropubic space anatomy in female cadavers

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the anatomic relationships of clinically relevant structures in the retropubic space.

STUDY DESIGN

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).

CONCLUSION

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.