Essential steps in the performance of safe retroperitoneal aortic surgery.

Endovascular stent grafting has become the primary modality when assessing patients for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The traditional open approach is transperitoneal (TP) but many suggest the retroperitoneal method (RP) has significant benefits. Retroperitoneal aortic surgery may be unfamiliar to many surgeons as they have been trained in the TP approach. This paper provides specific tips for the critical steps of this approach enabling it to be performed with ease and minimal morbidity.