A method of dissecting the pelvic floor to allow anatomical validation of images of the soft tissues.

A method of intact postmortem removal of the pelvic floor for imaging correlation studies, with minimal access disfigurement, is described. This consists of subcutaneous removal of both ischiopubic rami with division of the obturator membrane cranial to the origin of the levator ani muscles. The anatomical relationships of soft tissue surrounding the distal birth canal are thus preserved. The report discusses the need for, constraints on, and limitations of such studies in the unique problems of determining the dynamic anatomical configuration of the soft tissues of the pelvic floor. It illustrates the clinical relevance of initial studies, and reviews the background contributions of members of the group.