Recommended standardized anatomic terminology of the posterior female pelvis and vulva based on a structured medical literature review.
female pelvic anatomy
gynecology
nomenclature
posterior pelvis
posterior vagina
terminology
vulva
Journal
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
ISSN: 1097-6868
Titre abrégé: Am J Obstet Gynecol
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 0370476
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
08 2021
08 2021
Historique:
received:
29
10
2020
revised:
01
02
2021
accepted:
16
02
2021
pubmed:
12
3
2021
medline:
11
9
2021
entrez:
11
3
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Anatomic terminology in both written and verbal forms has been shown to be inaccurate and imprecise. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Sections du résumé
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.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33705749
pii: S0002-9378(21)00149-6
doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.02.033
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Review
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
169.e1-169.e16Commentaires et corrections
Type : CommentIn
Type : CommentIn
Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.