Pelvic Anatomy Group
Supported by the John O. L. DeLancey Fund, the SGS Pelvic Anatomy Group (PAG) advances gynecologic surgery through research and education in pelvic anatomy. PAG is organized into three specialized working groups: the Digital Library Group, the Nomenclature Group, and the 3D Imaging Group.
The PAG Digital Library supports the mission of the SGS. We thank the patients, donors, individuals, and institutions whose contributions make this resource possible. All content is used with appropriate consent and in accordance with ethical standards.
Digital Library Group
Mission
The Digital Library Group is dedicated to disseminating knowledge of female pelvic anatomy, promoting the use of standardized anatomic terminology, and advancing gynecologic surgery through the creation of the most anatomically accurate educational resource available.
Since 2018, this surgeon-led group has systematically developed the website as a resource for anatomy teaching and study. The site includes surgical, clinical, and cadaveric dissection photographs, videos, and images reviewed by expert anatomists and leaders in the field. It also serves as a platform for sharing the work of the Nomenclature and 3D Imaging Groups.
Only precise historical anatomical drawings are included. Digital recreations and illustrative renderings have been intentionally excluded due to their frequent inaccuracies or incomplete representation of anatomy.
Nomenclature Group
Mission
The Nomenclature Group focuses on developing and promoting standardized terminology for female pelvic anatomy to enhance clarity and consistency in medical communication. This effort is achieved through the creation of a comprehensive “concordance map” of anatomic terms used to describe the female pelvis.
Through this work, the group has produced multiple peer-reviewed publications that form the scientific foundation of this website. All terminology is derived from Terminologia Anatomica, 2nd Edition, the international consensus standard for anatomic nomenclature.
Selected Publications
- Hill AJ, Balgobin S, Mishra K, Jeppson PC, Wheeler T, Mazloomdoost D, Anand M, Ninivaggio C, Hamner J, Bochenska K, Mama ST, Balk EM, Corton MM, DeLancey JO. “Recommended standardized anatomic terminology of the posterior female pelvis and vulva based on a structured medical literature review”. Accepted Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021
- Balgobin S, Jeppson PC, Wheeler T, Hill AJ, Mishra K, Mazloomdoost D, Dunivan G, Anand M, Mama S, Bochenska K, Lewicky-Gaupp C, Balk EM, Corton MM, DeLancey JO. “Standardized Terminology of the Female Pelvic Apical Structures Based on a Structured Medical Literature Review.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020 Mar;222(3):204-218 PMID 31805273 [ABOG Maintenance of Certification article 2020]
- Jeppson PC, Hill AJ, Balgobin S. “Anterior, Apical, Posterior: Vaginal Anatomy Review for the Gynecologic Surgeon.” OBG Management April 2019
- Jeppson PC, Balgobin S, Washington BB, Hill AJ, Lewicky-Gaupp C, Wheeler T, Ridgeway B, Mazloomdoost D, Balk EM, Corton MM, DeLancey J. “Recommended Standardized Terminology of the Anterior Female Pelvis Based on a Structured Medical Literature Review.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018;219(1):26-39 PMID 29630884 [ABOG Maintenance of Certification article 2018]
3D Imaging Group
Mission
The 3D Imaging Group advances understanding of dynamic, in vivo pelvic anatomy by cultivating and disseminating expertise in three-dimensional pelvic imaging. By refining methods to interpret and study pelvic structure and function, the group supports innovation in diagnosis and treatment.
Contributions from the 3D Imaging Group are integral to the development and content of this website.
Selected Publications
- Hong CX, Sheyn DD, Sammarco AG, DeLancey JOL. Geometric analysis of the urethral-vaginal interface in women with and without stress urinary incontinence. Oral Presentation. Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Annual Meeting 2021, June 27-30
- Sammarco AG, Sheyn D, Hong CX, Kobernik EK, Swenson CW, DeLancey JOL. Pelvic cross-sectional area at the level of the levator ani and prolapse. Int Urogyn J. April 2021 32(4) 1002-1013. PMID: 32997161
- Sammarco AG, Sheyn DD, Krantz TE, Rodrigues AA, Olivera CI, Kobernik EK, Masteling M, DeLancey JOL. A novel measurement of pelvic floor cross sectional area in older and younger women with and without prolapse. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019. Nov;221(5):521.e1-521.e7. PMID: 31401263