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Obturator Lymph Nodes

nodi lymphoidei obturatorii

The obturator lymph nodes lie in the obturator fossa on the side wall of the pelvis, around the obturator nerve and vessels, below the external iliac vein. Anatomically they are part of the internal iliac group, though they are often considered alongside the external iliac nodes.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Secretions

Location	Obturator fossa of the lateral pelvic wall, below the external iliac vein and around the obturator nerve and vessels
Receives lymph from	Bladder Prostate Cervix and uterus Upper vagina
Lymphatic drainage	Internal iliac lymph nodes Common iliac lymph nodes

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Filter lymph from the central pelvic organs.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The obturator nodes are among the first nodes reached by cervical, prostate and bladder cancers, and they are a core part of standard pelvic lymph node dissection. The obturator nerve runs through the fat containing them and can be injured, causing weakness of thigh adduction and numbness of the inner thigh.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Obturator Node Metastasis

Early nodal spread of prostate, bladder or cervical cancer to the obturator fossa.

Obturator Nerve Injury

Damage to the obturator nerve during node dissection, causing hip adductor weakness and medial thigh numbness.

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