Anatomic relationships of the pelvic autonomic nervous system in female cadavers: clinical applications to pelvic surgery

Anatomic variability and inability to visualize the small caliber fibers that comprise the inferior hypogastric plexus grossly likely underlines the reasons that some postoperative visceral and sexual dysfunction occur in spite of careful dissection and adequate surgical technique. These findings highlight the importance of a discussion with patients about the risks that are associated with interrupting autonomic fibers during the preoperative consent.