Anatomic Foundations of Surgery on the Female Perineum

Although it is difficult to achieve expertise in surgical anatomy of the female perineum, this is essential for patient counseling, clinical decision making, and surgical safety. Education of female pelvic anatomy has often relied on historical illustrations that contain inaccuracies and omissions. Therefore, the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Pelvic Anatomy Group was established to promote accuracy through standardization of terminology, to explore anatomy through three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, and to disseminate knowledge through the development of a website that uses the human body as a primary source of education. This review by members of the Pelvic Anatomy Group highlights a part of this work by using clinical photos, cadaver dissections, and MRIs to discuss an anatomic approach to common surgical scenarios involving the vulva and perineum.