Relationship of the uterosacral ligament to the sacral plexus and to the pudendal nerve (original) (raw)
Related papers
Nerve injury during uterosacral ligament fixation: a cadaver study
International Urogynecology Journal, 2009
Introduction and hypothesis The objective of this study was to identify nerve(s) vulnerable to entrapment during uterosacral ligament fixation (USLF), which could cause postoperative lower extremity pain previously described in the literature. Methods Preserved cadavers in a medical anatomy course were used. Before the students' pelvic dissections, a 2-0 prolene suture was placed in the middle third of each left uterosacral ligament visualized. The sutures were re-evaluated at the end of the course. Results Nine sutures remained in place after the course, and one entrapped a nerve. It was part of the inferior hypogastric plexus, included fibers from S2 and S3, and radiated to the bladder and rectum. The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve was lateral and posterior to this nerve. Conclusions The inferior hypogastric plexus is vulnerable during USLF. Entrapment of S2 and S3 fibers could cause pain in their respective dermatomes and could be responsible for the postoperative pain previously described.
Etiology of post-uterosacral suspension neuropathies
International Urogynecology Journal, 2009
Introduction and hypothesis The goal of our investigation was to find a neurological explanation for neuropathies reported following some uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) . Methods We dissected the neural structures beneath the USL in seven female, adult, embalmed cadavers. We made a literature review to determine the spinal nerve sensory fiber composition of each exposed neural structure and the dermatome(s) that it innervates. We then compared anticipated sensory neuropathies for each neural structure with neuropathies following USLS to determine which neural structure entrapment could explain the reported symptoms.
International Urogynecology Journal, 2008
The aim of this study was to define the anatomical relationships of the uterosacral ligament complex (USLC) and to analyze histologically its content. Three fetal and four adult cadavers were used. Anatomical dissections were carried out. Eight fresh biopsies (four fetal and four adult) of the USLC were analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically. Specimens were stained with hematoxylin eosin safran coloration, with anti-nervous cell antibodies (PS 100) and with anti-smooth muscle antibodies (to visualize vessel walls). By removing the visceral pelvic fascia, nervous fibers were found within the USLC forming the hypogastric plexus. Histologically, the USLC contained connective tissue, nervous fibers, sympathetic nodes, vessels, and fatty tissue. No structured ligamentous organization was identified. The uterosacral "ligament" is a "complex" integrating connective tissue as well as nervous and vascular elements. Radical excisions and USLC suspension during pelvic floor reconstructive surgery should be performed with caution in order to preserve pelvic innervation. Keywords Hypogastric plexus. Hysterectomy. Pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic autonomous nerves. Uterosacral ligament Abbreviations USLC uterosacral ligament complex PS 100 antinervous specific antibodies HES hematoxylin eosin safran VPF visceral pelvic fascia IHP inferior hypogastric plexus LUNA laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation
Surgical anatomy of the uterosacral ligament
International Urogynecology Journal, 2010
Introduction and hypothesis This study aims to elucidate and expand current knowledge of the uterosacral ligament (USL) from a surgical viewpoint. Methods Studies were performed on 12 unembalmed cadaveric pelves and five formalin-fixed pelves. Results The USL, 12-14-cm long, can be subdivided into three sections: (1) distal (2-3 cm), intermediate (5 cm), and proximal (5-6 cm). The thick (5-20 mm) distal section, attached to cervix and upper vagina, is confluent laterally with the cardinal ligament. The proximal section is diffuse in attachment and generally thinner. The relatively unattached intermediate section is wide, and thick, well defined when placed under tension, more than 2 cm from the ureter and suitable for surgical use. The strength of the USL is perhaps derived not only from the ligament itself, but also from the addition of extraperitoneal connective tissue. Conclusions The USL can be subdivided into three sections according to thickness and attachments with the intermediate section suitable for surgical use, particularly for vaginal vault support.
Sensory nerve injury after uterosacral ligament suspension
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2006
Objective: Uterosacral ligament suspension is a technique that is performed commonly to suspend the prolapsed vaginal apex. This case series describes our experience with the clinical evaluation and management of lower extremity sensory nerve symptoms after uterosacral ligament suspension. Study design: Hospital and office medical records from our 2 institutions were reviewed from January 2002 to August 2005, and all women who underwent uterosacral ligament suspension through a vaginal approach were identified. Women with symptoms of buttock and posterior thigh pain during the 6-week postoperative period were identified, and detailed clinical information was abstracted from the charts. Results: From182 uterosacral ligament suspension procedures, 7 women were identified. The age range was 42 to 70 years. Concurrent procedures included 6 vaginal hysterectomies, 5 anterior repairs, 4 posterior repairs, 2 slings, and 1 bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Within 24 hours of the surgical procedure, all the women experienced similar, substantial sharp buttock pain and numbness that radiated down the center of the posterior thigh to the popliteal fossa in 1 or both lower extremities. The ipsilateral uterosacral ligament suture was removed within 2 days of the procedure in 3 women who had immediate subjective reduction in their pain and complete resolution of pain by 6 weeks. The remaining 4 women were treated with gabapentin and narcotics. Three women had resolution of the pain by 12 to 14 weeks after the operation, and the last woman's pain resolved gradually by 6 months. Conclusion: Women who undergo uterosacral ligament suspension are at risk of postoperative pain and numbness in a S2-4 distribution. These symptoms appear to be related to the placement of uterosacral ligament sutures and may be relieved either by prompt removal of the ipsilateral uterosacral ligament suture or with prolonged medical therapy.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2006
In view of the paucity of literature, this study was undertaken to reappraise the gross anatomy of the sacrotuberous ligament (STL), with the objective of providing an accurate anatomical basis for clinical conditions involving the STL. We studied the gross anatomy of the STL in 50 formalin fixed cadavers (100 sides) during the period of 2004-2005. All specimens exhibited an STL with a ligamentous part and (87%) of specimens exhibited a membranous (falciform) segment, which extended towards the ischioanal fossa. The variations of the falciform extensions were classified into three types. In Type I (69%), the falciform process extended towards and along the ischial ramus to terminate at the obturator fascia. In Type II (108%), the falciform process extended along the ischial ramus, fused with the obturator fascia and continued towards the ischioanal fossa. In addition, the medial border of the falciform process descended to fuse with the anococcygeal ligament, forming a continuous membrane. Lastly, in Type III (13%), the falciform process of the STL was absent. The above mentioned data could have an important implication to the understanding of the relationship between the pudendal nerve and the sacrotuberous ligament and their relevance to pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome.
International Urogynecology Journal, 2008
Our objective was to document variations in the topography of pelvic floor nerves (PFN) and describe a nerve-free zone adjacent to the sacrospinous ligament (SSL). Pelvic floor dissections were performed on 15 female cadavers. The course of the PFN was described in relation to the ischial spine (IS) and the SSL. The pudendal nerve (PN) passed medial to the IS and posterior to the SSL at a mean distance of 0.6 cm (SD=±0.4) in 80% of cadavers. In 40% of cadavers, an inferior rectal nerve (IRN) variant pierced the SSL at a distance of 1.9 cm (SD=±0.7) medial to the IS. The levator ani nerve (LAN), coursed over the superior surface of the SSL-coccygeus muscle complex at a mean distance of 2.5 cm (SD=±0.7) medial to the IS. Anatomic variations were found which challenge the classic description of PFN. A nerve-free zone is situated in the medial third of the SSL.