Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

A Novel Surgical Technique in a Sheep Model for Suburethral Graft Implantation
Published on: June 20, 2025
Anatomic relationships of the "top-down" mid-urethral sling
Peter S Finamore1, Karolynn T Echols, Babak Vakili
1Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Cooper University Hospital, 3 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ 08103, USA. finamore-peter@cooperhealth.edu
Objective:
To determine the anatomic relationships between the "top-down" mid-urethral sling (MUS) and pelvic structures.
Study Design:
Placement of the sling needle delivery device was performed in 10 cadaveric hemi-pelves. The distances between major structures in the pelvis and the needle delivery device were recorded.
Results:
The mean distances are as follows: mid pubis 1.71 (+/- 0.25) cm, bladder neck 1.66 (+/- 0.37) cm, urethral orifice 3.96 (+/- 0.52) cm, obturator foramen 3.90 (+/- 0.43) cm, inferior epigastric vessels 3.50 (+/- 0.62) cm, accessory obturator vessels 3.53 (+/- 0.36) cm and external iliac vein 4.02 (+/- 0.42) cm.
Conclusion:
Major pelvic structures are in close proximity to the needle delivery device in a top-down mid-urethral sling.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
Urinary Bladder
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
Urethra
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male urethra is...
Ureters
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters
Uterus and Cervix
The uterus is securely anchored within the pelvic cavity by paired broad ligaments on either side. It is further stabilized by three pairs of...

