*3.2.3 Disconnection of the leading vascular pedicle*

The first step to disconnect the leading vascular pedicle is to skeletonize the uterine vascular axes. It should be remembered that the division of the uterine artery is done at the level of the uterine isthmus. Here the main trunk is divided into an ascending and a descending branch. In this operative step, only the ascendant branch of the uterine artery is coagulated and sectioned.

**Figure 17.** *Scheletonize the right uterine pedicle artery and vein.*

To highlight the uterine vascular axis the posterior broad ligament peritoneum must be sectioned towards the uterosacral ligaments. In the vascular pedicle, the artery is located before the veins and the bleeding is easy to control. If the artery has a diameter of more than 5 mm a haemoclip is useful to control arterial bleeding (**Figure 17**).
