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Updated: May 17, 2026
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Published on: June 20, 2025
Anatomic relationships of single-incision midurethral slings
T Ignacio Montoya1, Jennifer J Street, Marlene M Corton
1Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9032, USA. teodoro.montoya@utsouthwestern.edu
Objective:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the anatomic relationships of anchor points of single-incision midurethral slings with 2 common placement trajectories.
Study Design:
In 30 female pelvic halves, a probe was introduced through a suburethral tunnel following 45° and 90° angle trajectories. The corresponding anchor points were tagged. Distances to the obturator canal, accessory obturator vessels, dorsal vein of clitoris, and external iliac vein were recorded.
Results:
Both suburethral tunnel trajectories and their respective anchor points remained caudad to the obturator internus muscle in 100% of dissections. The closest distance between either anchor point to the obturator canal was 1.6 cm. The closest distance from the 45° and 90° anchor points to the accessory obturator vessels was 1.6 and 1.5 cm, respectively.
Conclusion:
The anchor points of single-incision midurethral slings are in close proximity to vascular structures that could be injured with inadvertent entry into the retropubic space.
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