Abstract:
Introduction
The peritoneal cavity is a complex area of human anatomy. In this thesis, I will initially outline the
important aspects of the physiology and embryology of the peritoneal cavity. I will then discuss a
review of the literature regarding the anatomy of the peritoneal cavity. Although the spaces within
the cavity have been well described, no studies have investigated the overall shape of the cavity and
how this varies between individuals.
Aim
This thesis aims to create a 3D model of the peritoneal cavity and perform a principal component
analysis to determine its average shape and how this varies between individuals.
Method
A pilot study was performed to compare imaging of the peritoneal cavity with MRI versus CT. We
found that CT is a good modality for imaging the peritoneal cavity and is readily available.
Thirty archival CT scans were used to create 3D models of the peritoneal cavity. A principal component
analysis was performed to determine areas of variation.
Results
We found a high degree of intra and inter-observer reliability. An average 3D model of the peritoneal
cavity was created. The main area of variation between individuals was a change in the width in the
coronal plane and thickness in the sagittal plane. We also investigated the differences between males
and females, and high vs low BMI individuals.
Discussion
This is the first study to perform 3D reconstructions of the peritoneal cavity and determine how this
varies between individuals. We have determined that the main area of variation is in the coronal width and sagittal thickness of the peritoneal cavity, which is likely influenced by an individual’s weight.
Interestingly, the height of the cavity was not a significant area of variation. These findings have
applications in medical education, laparoscopic surgery and the development of medical devices.