The inferior hypogastric plexus: a different view.

The morphology of the inferior hypogastric plexus has been demonstrated in a series of dissections of nulliparous cadavers. Each cadaver was embalmed in a solution containing a significant proportion of methanol which preserved the pliability of the tissues enabling the nerve plexi to be clearly demonstrated. These structures are not normally encountered during general gynaecological surgery and clinicians are often unaware of the possible consequences of injury during vaginal delivery or sustained constipation. Denervation of pelvic organs, with subsequent reinnervation over the medium term, may account for a variety of obstetric and gynaecological syndromes.