The pectineal ligament: anatomical study and surgical applications

The aim of this study was to reinforce the importance of the pectineal liga ment in laparoscopic surgery for groin hernia and female urinary incontinen ce, particularly its anatomical importance in the myopectineal region. A mo rphologic study was conducted on 44 pectineal ligaments from 23 embalmed an d one fresh human cadavers, together with a radiological study on four volu nteer patients. Anatomical and histological findings confirm the fact that the ligament of Cooper represents a thickening of the pectineal fascia rath er than a thickening from the periosteum. The pectineal ligament provides a landmark in each approach, open or laparoscopic, anterior or posterior sur gery.