Morphometric mapping of the female pelvic and lower abdominal retroperitoneum (cadaver dissection)
Official title: Systematic Anatomical Description of the Female Pelvic Retroperitoneum in Cadavers: A Descriptive Study for Gynecologic Surgery
Run by Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge · NCT07522931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will map and measure pelvic and lower abdominal structures in donated female bodies to provide surgeons with better reference data for gynecologic operations.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Barcelona, Barcelona and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 14, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 28, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07522931 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Suitable subjects are female cadavers aged 18 or older with well-preserved pelvic and retroperitoneal tissues, available through the institutional body donation program and authorized for research use.
✕Probably not a fit
Cadavers with prior major pelvic or abdominal surgery, radiotherapy, advanced malignancy with retroperitoneal involvement, severe trauma, or poor tissue preservation are excluded and findings may not apply to such altered anatomies.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a descriptive cadaveric dissection project using approximately 20 adult female donors from an institutional body donation program. Standardized dissections will expose the retroperitoneum to identify the ureter, iliac vessels, aorta, inferior vena cava, pelvic nerves, and lymphatic territories, with each hemipelvis treated as an independent unit for side-to-side comparison. Millimetric measurements and predefined anatomical reference points will be used, repeated at least twice, and complemented by standardized photographic documentation. The study will quantify distances, vessel diameters, nerve relationships, and the frequency of anatomical variations to support an applied anatomical atlas for gynecologic surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could improve surgical planning and reduce complications by giving surgeons detailed, quantitative references of pelvic retroperitoneal anatomy and common variations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior cadaveric anatomical and morphometric series have successfully informed surgical techniques and atlases, though comprehensive quantitative datasets specifically focused on the female pelvic retroperitoneum remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female cadavers from an institutional body donation program * Age ≥ 18 years at time of death * Adequate preservation of pelvic and abdominal retroperitoneal structures * Anatomical integrity allowing identification of the pelvic ureter, iliac vessels and their main branches, obturator nerve, and other structures included in the anatomical checklist. * Availability of both hemipelves for comparative analysis * Authorization for research use according to institutional body donation regulations Exclusion Criteria: * Male cadavers * Prior major pelvic or abdominal surgery significantly altering retroperitoneal anatomy (e.g., hysterectomy, lymphadenectomy, vascular surgery) * History of pelvic or abdominal radiotherapy * Advanced pelvic or abdominal malignancy with retroperitoneal involvement * Severe trauma affecting pelvic or abdominal anatomy * Poor preservation or significant tissue degradation * Absence of one or both hemipelves * Advanced pregnancy at time of death
Where it's running
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Universitat de Barcelona - Department of Anatomy and Human Embryology
Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain Recruiting -
Universitat de Barcelona - Department of Anatomy and Human Embryology
Barcelona, Spain Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jorge García Fernández, Gynecologist — Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge
- Study coordinator: Jorge Garcia Fernandez Principal Investigator, Gynecologist
- Email: jorgarciafernan@gmail.com
- Phone: +34622595644
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.