TY - JOUR
T1 - Recommended standardized anatomic terminology of the posterior female pelvis and vulva based on a structured medical literature review
AU - Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Pelvic Anatomy Group
AU - Hill, Audra Jolyn
AU - Balgobin, Sunil
AU - Mishra, Kavita
AU - Jeppson, Peter C.
AU - Wheeler, Thomas
AU - Mazloomdoost, Donna
AU - Anand, Mallika
AU - Ninivaggio, Cara
AU - Hamner, Jennifer
AU - Bochenska, Katarzyna
AU - Mama, Saifuddin T.
AU - Balk, Ethan M.
AU - Corton, Marlene M.
AU - Delancey, John
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021
PY - 2021/8
Y1 - 2021/8
N2 - Background: Anatomic terminology in both written and verbal forms has been shown to be inaccurate and imprecise. Objective: Here, we aimed to (1) review published anatomic terminology as it relates to the posterior female pelvis, posterior vagina, and vulva; (2) compare these terms to “Terminologia Anatomica,” the internationally standardized terminology; and (3) compile standardized anatomic terms for improved communication and understanding. Study Design: From inception of the study to April 6, 2018, MEDLINE database was used to search for 40 terms relevant to the posterior female pelvis and vulvar anatomy. Furthermore, 11 investigators reviewed identified abstracts and selected those reporting on posterior female pelvic and vulvar anatomy for full-text review. In addition, 11 textbook chapters were included in the study. Definitions of all pertinent anatomic terms were extracted for review. Results: Overall, 486 anatomic terms were identified describing the vulva and posterior female pelvic anatomy, including the posterior vagina. “Terminologia Anatomica” has previously accepted 186 of these terms. Based on this literature review, we proposed the adoption of 11 new standardized anatomic terms, including 6 regional terms (anal sphincter complex, anorectum, genital-crural fold, interlabial sulcus, posterior vaginal compartment, and sacrospinous-coccygeus complex), 4 structural terms (greater vestibular duct, anal cushions, nerve to the levator ani, and labial fat pad), and 1 anatomic space (deep postanal space). In addition, the currently accepted term rectovaginal fascia or septum was identified as controversial and requires further research and definition before continued acceptance or rejection in medical communication. Conclusion: This study highlighted the variability in the anatomic nomenclature used in describing the posterior female pelvis and vulva. Therefore, we recommended the use of standardized terminology to improve communication and education across medical and anatomic disciplines.
AB - Background: Anatomic terminology in both written and verbal forms has been shown to be inaccurate and imprecise. Objective: Here, we aimed to (1) review published anatomic terminology as it relates to the posterior female pelvis, posterior vagina, and vulva; (2) compare these terms to “Terminologia Anatomica,” the internationally standardized terminology; and (3) compile standardized anatomic terms for improved communication and understanding. Study Design: From inception of the study to April 6, 2018, MEDLINE database was used to search for 40 terms relevant to the posterior female pelvis and vulvar anatomy. Furthermore, 11 investigators reviewed identified abstracts and selected those reporting on posterior female pelvic and vulvar anatomy for full-text review. In addition, 11 textbook chapters were included in the study. Definitions of all pertinent anatomic terms were extracted for review. Results: Overall, 486 anatomic terms were identified describing the vulva and posterior female pelvic anatomy, including the posterior vagina. “Terminologia Anatomica” has previously accepted 186 of these terms. Based on this literature review, we proposed the adoption of 11 new standardized anatomic terms, including 6 regional terms (anal sphincter complex, anorectum, genital-crural fold, interlabial sulcus, posterior vaginal compartment, and sacrospinous-coccygeus complex), 4 structural terms (greater vestibular duct, anal cushions, nerve to the levator ani, and labial fat pad), and 1 anatomic space (deep postanal space). In addition, the currently accepted term rectovaginal fascia or septum was identified as controversial and requires further research and definition before continued acceptance or rejection in medical communication. Conclusion: This study highlighted the variability in the anatomic nomenclature used in describing the posterior female pelvis and vulva. Therefore, we recommended the use of standardized terminology to improve communication and education across medical and anatomic disciplines.
KW - female pelvic anatomy
KW - gynecology
KW - nomenclature
KW - posterior pelvis
KW - posterior vagina
KW - terminology
KW - vulva
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U2 - 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.02.033
DO - 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.02.033
M3 - Article
C2 - 33705749
AN - SCOPUS:85103728008
SN - 0002-9378
VL - 225
SP - 169.e1-169.e16
JO - American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
JF - American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
IS - 2
ER -