A historical perspective and evolution of our knowledge on the cardinal ligament

Anatomical investigation of the pelvic urogenital fascia in 10 formalin-fixed female cadavers: novel insights into the laparoscopic total mesometrial resection

PURPOSE

Previous anatomical studies of the urogenital fascia (UGF) have focused on males, and there is a lack of relevant anatomical studies on the distribution of the extraperitoneal UGF in females.

METHODS

In this investigation, guided by the embryonic development of the female urogenital system, the ventral pelvic fascia structure of 10 female cadavers was dissected, and the distribution and morphology of female extraperitoneal UGF were observed, recorded in text, photographs and video, and 3D modeling was performed.

RESULTS

We find that in the female extraperitoneal space there is a migratory fascial structure, the UGF, which surrounds the urogenital system and extends from the perinephric region to the pelvis along with the development of the urogenital organs. The two layers of the UGF are composed of loose connective tissue rich in fat that surrounds the urogenital organs, their accessory vascular structures, and the nerves of the abdominopelvic cavity. In the pelvis, it participates in the formation of the ligamentous structures around the rectum and uterus. Finally, it surrounds the bladder and gradually moves into the loose connective tissue of the medial umbilical fold.

CONCLUSIONS

Sorting out the distribution characteristics of UGF has some reference value for studying the metastasis of gynecological tumors, the biomechanical structure of the female pelvis, and the surgical methods of gynecology, colorectal surgery, and hernia surgery.

From molecular to macro: the key role of the apical ligaments in uterovaginal support

To explain the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse, we must first understand the complexities of the normal support structures of the uterus and vagina. In this review, we focus on the apical ligaments, which include the cardinal and uterosacral ligaments. The aims of this review are the following: (1) to provide an overview of the anatomy and histology of the ligaments; (2) to summarize the imaging and biomechanical studies of the ligament properties and the way they relate to anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse; and (3) to synthesize these findings into a conceptual model for the progression of prolapse.

Comprehensive Review of the Cardinal Ligament

The cardinal ligament is thought to be one of the important structures in providing support and stabilization for the pelvic organs e.g., the uterus. However, many discrepancies exist in the literature regarding terminology, anatomy, and histology. The cardinal ligament attaches the lateral side of the vagina and cervix to the lateral pelvic wall, which provides support to the vagina and cervix. Studies have shown variable findings in the collagen content and distribution in the cardinal ligaments of women with a prolapsed uterus. Uterine vessels and the branches of the inferior hypogastric plexus travel in the cardinal ligament, which is of great importance during pelvic surgeries. Cervical cancer may lead to metastatic spread to the lymph nodes juxtaposed to the cardinal ligaments. This review aims to highlight the clinical significance and surgical importance of the cardinal ligament with a comparison with previous studies.

Positional pelvic organ prolapse (POP) evaluation using open, weight-bearing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is completed in the supine position. Open magnetic resonance imaging (MRO) uses vertical magnets, allowing imaging in a variety of upright postures. This pilot study used MRO to evaluate the change of prolapse in different positions compared to non-prolapsed images.

METHODS

In total, 11 women (6 POP, 5 controls) aged 24 to 65 years had 12 MRO images (midline sagittal pelvic line) consecutively when supine, sitting and standing with a full and empty bladder. Lengths between the lowest point of the bladder to the pubococcygeal (PC) and pubopromontoreal (PP) lines in each image were compared, and the ratio of bladder area under the PC and PP lines to the total bladder area.

RESULTS

Significant elongation between the PC line and lowest point of the bladder was evident in subjects with POP comparing supine and standing images (p = 0.03), but not controls (p = 0.07). Similarly, this axis was significantly longer in cystocele subjects versus controls only in the standing position. Bladder area under the PC line was significantly increased between supine and standing positions only among subjects with cystocele (p < 0.01), and significantly larger among the study group in the standing position (p < 0.005), less significant in the supine position (p = 0.015), and not significant in the sitting position (p = 0.3).

CONCLUSIONS

MRO imaging allows us to investigate the effects of upright position and weight bearing on the staging of POP. Imaging patients when sitting and standing identified that significant changes occur in the maximal descent of the bladder.