The core of a competent surgeon: a working knowledge of surgical anatomy and safe dissection techniques

The competent gynecologic surgeon has a sure, working knowledge of the anatomy in the field of pelvic dissection and is expert in the techniques and in the millimeter by millimeter progression of surgical dissections. When operating in the pelvis, the surgeon always asks several questions. The first is, “In what anatomic area am I dissecting?” This question defines the anatomy to be dissected out. The second is,“What dissection techniques will I use here?” The measured steps of surgical dissection give the surgeon the confidence to proceed with the operation, while safeguarding the integrity of the surrounding anatomic structures. With less blood loss and less trauma to the tissues and anatomic structures, the surgeon may expect a better surgical outcome for the patient.