ABSTRACT
The anatomy used by gynecologic surgeons is the anatomy relevant to surgical dissection in specific areas of the female pelvis. The bridge between the knowledge of pelvic anatomy and an efficient surgical practice is the mastery of the several techniques of surgical dissection. This chapter discusses the three fundamentals that are essential for a gynecologic surgeon to be successful-techniques of tissue dissection, the dynamics of surgical teamwork, and a working knowledge of surgical anatomy. Proper tissue dissection concerns both lysis of adhesions within the pelvic cavity itself and exploration of many areas of the pelvic retroperitoneum. Collaboration is essential to perform a successful surgery. Teamwork involves leadership skills to coordinate the roles of the several team members in order to achieve a “synergy of purpose.” Anatomically, areas that are to be discussed include the presacral space, the pelvic brim, the pelvic sidewall, the base of the broad ligament/ cardinal ligament, the paravesical space, the retropubic space, the vesicovaginal space, the pararectal space, and the rectovaginal space.
