Lowest colpopexy sacral fixation point alters vaginal axis and cul-de-sac depth.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the variation in vaginal axis and posterior cul-de-sac depth when the lowest suture used to attach the sacrocolpopexy mesh to the anterior longitudinal ligament is anchored at different levels. STUDY DESIGN: At five lumbosacral mesh attachment sites, the anterior vaginal wall axis angle was measured relative to a line between the lowest border of the pubic symphysis and fourth sacral (S4) foramen in 9 unembalmed cadavers. The vertical distance from S4 to the posterior mesh was measured as a surrogate of cul-de-sac depth. RESULTS: From a mesh fixation point at the lower border of S2 to a point at the lower border of L5, there was a 3-fold increase in both vaginal axis angle (13.04 ± 3.19 vs 42.88 ± 4.16 cm) and distance from S4 to the posterior mesh (2.50 ± 0.61 vs 7.38 ± 1.30 cm) between these points. CONCLUSION: During sacrocolpopexy, progressively cephalad sacral attachment increases vaginal axis angle and cul-de-sac depth.

Where is the best surgical incision for laparoscopic anterior resection?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: For laparoscopic anterior resection, a small incision is placed in the left lower abdomen or suprapubic area, for which ideal location remains to be clarified. This study evaluated the validity of anthropometric placement of such an incision for colorectal anastomosis in laparoscopic anterior resection. METHODOLOGY: Thirty consecutive patients with advanced rectal cancer (Age 30- 82 {mean 60.1} years, 15 men and 15 women) who underwent anterior resection by open surgery at Kashiwa Hospital between 2005 and 2006 were studied. The position of the viscera was projected on the anterior wall of the abdomen, in relation to the umbilicus. RESULTS: Each visceral position (X cm, Y cm) was as follows; SD junction (6.3 +/- 1.6, -2.0 +/- 2.3), promontorium (0.0 +/- 0.0, -4.5 +/- 0.8), Douglas' pouch (0.0 +/- 0.0, -14.9 +/- 1.5) and superior margin of the pubis (0.0 +/- 0.0, -18.2 +/- 1.4). The positions of promontorium and the Douglas' pouch had little horizontal anatomical variation and were located between the umbilicus and the pubis. CONCLUSION: In laparoscopic anterior resection, a small incision for transection of the rectum and colorectal anastomosis should be placed in the suprapubic area rather than the left lower abdomen.

Anatomy of the sigmoid colon, rectum, and the rectovaginal pouch in women with enterocele and anterior rectal wall procidentia.

This study describes the anatomy of the rectovaginal pouch, the sigmoid colon, and rectum in women with posterior enterocele and anterior rectal wall procidentia. The anatomy of rectovaginal pouch, sigmoid colon, and rectum was described in 36 women with an enterocele (group A) and compared with those of 43 women (group B) without pelvic organ prolapse. Women with previous incontinence or prolapse surgery were excluded. The mean age in group A was 58 years (40-75) and in group B 35 years (19-64; P < 0.001). There were 15 nulliparas in group B. Nine women in group A had an internal anterior rectal wall procidentia, and one woman had an external anterior rectal wall procidentia. In group A, the rectovaginal pouch was significantly deeper, the sigmoid mesocolon at S1 shorter and showed more often a straight course (P < 0.05). These characteristics (termed "grande fosse pelvienne") were present in 23 women (64%) in group A and in 6 (14%) in group B, three of the latter were young nulliparas (P < 0.001). Age, parity, menopausal status, body mass index, constipation, and varicose veins were not associated with a grande fosse pelvienne. The typical anatomy in women with an enterocele and anterior rectal wall procidentia was a sigmoid colon with a straight course and a short mesentery at S1 and a rectovaginal pouch that covered more than half of the vaginal length. It may be a congenital condition and important in the development of an enterocele and rectal wall procidentia.

Abdominal sacrocolpopexy and anatomy and function of the posterior compartment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of abdominal sacrocolpopexy with obliteration of the pouch of Douglas on anatomy and function of the posterior compartment. METHODS: We prospectively studied 33 consecutive women with pelvic organ prolapse who had abdominal sacrocolpopexies [expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex)] with pouch of Douglas obliterations and posterior extensions of mesh, using a standardized questionnaire, urodynamic studies, pelvic floor fluoroscopies, and vaginal-rectal examinations (Baden-Walker classification). Concomitant colpoperineorrhaphy was done if rectoceles remained at rectovaginal examination at the end of sacrocolpopexy. The goal was to correct rectoceles transabdominally. RESULTS: Thirty-one women returned for follow-up investigations after 12--48 months (mean 26 months). Mean age was 61 years (range 41--77 years). There was no recurrence of vaginal vault prolapse, enterocele, or anterior rectal wall prolapse. Among 28 preoperative rectoceles, 16 recurred (57%) and one occurred de novo. Defecation problems (outlet constipation) were present in 21 women (64%) preoperatively and persisted or were altered in 12 (57%) after sacrocolpopexy. Grade of rectocele was associated significantly with symptoms of outlet constipation preoperatively, but not postoperatively (P =.002). CONCLUSION: Abdominal sacrocolpopexy with obliteration of the pouch of Douglas and posterior extension of the mesh was effective for vaginal vault prolapse, enterocele, and anterior rectal wall procidentia, but not concomitant rectocele. Twenty-eight percent of women described altered defecation with stool stopping higher in the rectosigmoid colon ("high outlet constipation"), which might have been caused by denervation during rectal mobilization.

[X-ray anatomy of the recto-genital pouch in the child]. / Anatomie radiologique du cul-de-sac recto-génital chez l'enfant.

Peritoneography is a simple radio-anatomic method to get informations about the depth and the orientation of the Douglas pouch in children in relation to fixed bony landmarks in the pelvis (upper part of the pubic bone-lowest sacral segment). Measurements were recorded on patients ranging from 15 days-old to 15 years-old. The older the patient, the deeper and the more posterior seemed to be the Douglas pouch.

Pulsion enterocele: review of functional anatomy of the pelvic floor.

Pulsion enterocele has a well-deserved reputation as a difficult surgical problem; the multiplicity of suggested solutions attests to this. Until the functional anatomy of the pelvic floor is better understood, particularly the specific anatomic defects involved, planning of a rational surgical attack will remain elusive. Both the pelvic cellular tissues and the levator ani complex are involved in the genesis of the condition, and both require correction during any surgical procedure. The supporting effect of the levator complex and the positioning effect of the cellular tissues must be restored.

Sonographic morphology of the normal menstrual cycle.

Sequential gray-scale sonograms were obtained during 20 menstrual cycles in 16 normal female volunteers. Hormonal and physical parameters of an ovulatory cycle were correlated with morphological changes in the ovaries, uterus, and cul-de-sac as seen on the sonogram. Ovarian cysts of two sizes were observed, corresponding chronologically and morphologically to Graafian follicles and corpora lutea. Small amounts of free pelvic fluid were demonstrated in many women at ovulation. A characteristic uterine appearance is seen prior to menstruation and is related to hormonal influences on the uterus. These findings emphasize the importance of recognizing normal physiological changes when interpreting gynecologic sonograms.