ABSTRACT
In the era of rapidly changing surgical techniques toward safety and more cost effectiveness, retroperitoneal approach for aortic surgery is gaining popularity. This study aimed at evaluating the antero-lateral retroperitoneal approach in elective aortic surgical procedures versus the standard trans-peritoneal approach in the setting of the Suez Canal University Hospital. Since 2001 the retroperitoneal approach for aortic surgery had been introduced in the Suez Canal University Hospital. The current retrospective study was conducted in the period between 1995 and 2005. All patients had elective aortic surgery either by retro or trans-peritoneal approaches were in the study. Preoperative parameters, intra and postoperative variables, morbidity and mortality were compared in between both groups. Ninety two patients were included in two study groups. Demographic and preoperative parameters were nearly matched. The only statistically significant differences between both groups were found in some of the intra and postoperative variables. No statistically significant differences were found regarding either fatal or non-fatal complications. Both trans-peritoneal and retroperitoneal approaches are comparable to each other according to surgical expertise of the operating surgical team. With increasing experience with the retroperitoneal approach, it would be a preferable option to be chosen for performing aortic procedures