Precise Port Placement: An Analytic Review of Lower Quadrant Anatomy

Study Objective

Review the key anatomical structures in the lower quadrant as they relate to port placement for laparoscopy, review evidence-based practices for port placement in the lower quadrants, and review presentations of injuries of key nerves in the lower quadrants.

Design

Surgical video

Setting

Operating room

Patients or Participants

N/A

Interventions

N/A

Measurements and Primary Results

N/A

Conclusion

The anatomic structures at risk of injury during lower quadrant port placement include the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, genitofemoral, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves. The nerves in the lower quadrant of the abdomen can safely be avoided during port placement by remaining superior to the anterior superior iliac spine. Injuries to these nerves present with pain or paresthesia in the corresponding nerve distribution.